7 Best Side Dishes To Serve With Chicken Coq Au Vin

Is there anything more comforting than coq au vin on a cold winter night?

While it’s typically served over noodles or rice, there are plenty of ways to customize your coq au vin experience.

In this post, we’ll give you some ideas for what to serve with your chicken coq au vin.

So pull out your crockpot and get cooking!

What is chicken coq au vin?

Chicken coq au vin is a French dish of braised chicken with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and onions.

The name of the dish comes from the French words coq (cock) and au vin (with wine), coq au vin literally meaning “chicken with wine”.

The dish is usually made with a rooster (coq in French), which is old enough to have a lot of meat on its bones.

Young chickens are too tender and do not produce enough flavorful meat.

Duck or goose can also be used in other variations.

What to consider when choosing a side dish to serve with chicken coq au vin?

A side dish for chicken coq au vin can actually be anything that you like, but the following tips can help you choose the perfect one for your French stew:

A starchy dish can help absorb the rich sauce of chicken coq au vin

Chicken coq au vin is a rich stew that comes with a thick and flavorful sauce.

Therefore, a starchy side dish will be a perfect option to serve alongside your braised chicken.

It will help absorb the sauce perfectly and a firm piece of bread can even soak up the ingredients without needing a utensil.

A light and crunchy side dish can also work perfectly with chicken coq au vin

If you want something light and crunchy that provides a contrast to your tender and rich chicken coq au vin, feel free to opt for this option.

The good news is that chicken coq au vin also works with a light, refreshing, and crispy accompaniment.

A salad or roasted veggies would be some typical examples for you to consider.

7 best side dishes to serve with chicken coq au vin

Here are the five suggestions that you can try to make your chicken coq au vin shine on the table:

1.     Steamed rice

Steamed rice is the perfect side dish for chicken coq au vin.

The rice will absorb the savory flavors of the wine and chicken, creating a delicious and hearty meal overall.

This simple side dish has a mild flavor so it definitely won’t compete with the flavor of the main course.

It is also a good way to add some carbs and starch to your meal to keep you fuller.

2.     Crusty buttered bread

Another good idea to go with is serving your chicken coq au vin with crusty buttered bread with a crispy, flaky exterior and a tender, fluffy interior.

The bread soaks up all of the delicious flavors of the dish, making it even more enjoyable to eat.

Make sure to butter the bread generously so that you can fully enjoy the flavors of this amazing dish.

Don’t forget to add some garlic to enhance the flavor of your bread.

3.     Mashed potatoes

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of mashed potatoes.

They’re the perfect comfort food for cooler weather, and they also make an excellent side dish for chicken coq au vin.

One of the keys to making great mashed potatoes is to not overwork them.

Once you’ve added all of your ingredients, use a light hand when mixing everything together.

For an extra flavorful mashed potato dish, try adding some ingredients like crispy bacon, chopped green beans, or shredded cheese before serving.

4.     Collard greens

Collard greens are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed with chicken coq au vin or any other main dish.

They are packed with nutrients and offer a variety of health benefits.

Some of the most notable benefits of collard greens include their ability to improve digestion, detoxify the body, lower cholesterol levels, and boost immunity.

Additionally, collard greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron.

So not only are they good for you, but they taste great too!

Give them a try the next time you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious side dish for the rich and creamy chicken coq au vin.

5.     Roasted asparagus

If you want something crunchy and flavorful, try roasted asparagus.

Asparagus is a rich source of fiber, vitamin A, C, and K, as well as numerous minerals that make a healthy diet.

Roasting is an effortless method to cook asparagus, and you can add some olive oil, garlic, or herbs to enhance the flavor of this dish.

6.     Baked potatoes

Besides mashed potatoes, you can also opt for baked potatoes to pair with chicken coq au vin.

Potatoes are a starchy ingredient that can be cooked in different ways and are perfect to go along with a stew.

Sweet potatoes or regular gold potatoes can both work.

You can top your baked potatoes with sour cream or butter to make them more flavorful.

7.     Green salad

The last suggestion from us is to serve your chicken coq au vin with a green salad.

The acidity of the dressing and the refreshing flavor of the greens will cut through the richness of the chicken dish and provide a wonderful contrast.

There are also a variety of types of vegetables for you to consider to make a favorite and good-tasting salad for each member of your family.

The bottom line

Whether you’re looking for a hearty winter meal or just something to change up your regular routine, coq au vin is the perfect dish.

With its rich flavor and variety of options for customization, there’s no reason not to give it a try.

What is the best side dish you want to try first with your chicken coq au vin?