It’s time to stop stressing over what to serve with coq au vin.
From rice and mushrooms to potatoes and sprouts, I’ve got plenty of sides for you to try.
Coq au vin is a classic French dish that’s already full of flavor and texture, making it a fantastic dinner choice as-is.
But what should you serve with it to make it a feast?
Well, the key is to find something that’ll complement the flavors rather than overpower them.
Or something mild that’ll absorb all those incredible flavors you worked so hard to create.
So, what to serve with coq au vin? Let’s find out!
What to Serve with Coq Au Vin? 17 Best Side Dishes
1. Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is the perfect accompaniment to this classic French favorite.
The subtle nutty flavor melds perfectly with the traditional savory flavors of chicken, herbs, and red wine featured in coq au vin.
What’s more, while the chicken caramelizes, the rice offers a tender and slightly sticky contrast that also soaks up every ounce of those superb juices.
2. Scalloped Potatoes
The creamy texture of these potatoes lifts the savory chicken, mushrooms, and red wine – allowing each flavor to truly stand out.
And while you may think it’s too rich, it’s an unbeatable combination you have to try.
The acidity in the wine ensures the potatoes don’t overpower the chicken.
But even better, there’s a crunchy top layer that’s so incredible with the melt-in-your-mouth meat.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms and coq au vin are a match made in culinary heaven.
The savory, juicy flavors of the poultry combined with the earthy, decadent taste of stuffed mushrooms create a harmonious duo that’ll leave you wanting more.
Whether roasted or sautéd, the mushrooms soak up the burgundy-based sauce so well that you don’t miss a drop.
Not only is it delicious, but these two dishes are easy to make and can easily be turned into a one-pan meal.
4. Irish Mashed Potatoes (Colcannon)
Plain old mash works well with everything from pot roast and pork chops to lamb and chicken.
But Irish mash is a step up from the potatoes you’re used to. And they’re especially impressive when served with coq au vin.
The slight hint of garlic powder and black pepper in Irish mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the richness of this classic French stew.
And you can’t beat potatoes with chicken, mushrooms, bacon, carrots, and pearl onions. Yum!
5. Garlic Butter Boiled Potatoes
Garlic butter-boiled potatoes offer a different texture but the same home-grown comfort you want with a French dish like coq au vin.
And since both dishes feature a hint of garlic, they’re sure to be a winning match.
Boiling the potatoes allows them to soak up all of the buttery garlic goodness. And you can serve them as soon as they’re tender.
But for that added wow factor, I like to crisp them in the oven. The crunch contrasts the soft stewed chicken like a dream.
6. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Here’s another terrific crispy side dish to bring some textural variety to your chicken dinner.
Air Fryer Brussels sprouts are crunchy, charred, nutty, and super savory.
Not only does it bring color and texture, but air frying is a healthier alternative than sautéing in oil. So go ahead and have a second serving!
7. Best Simple Tossed Green Salad
I know a lot of people wouldn’t dream of serving salad with this kind of dish, but give it a try, and it just might surprise you.
Mixed greens mingle with red onion and crunchy bacon for a delightful contrast of textures.
And the dijon mustard vinaigrette adds an acidic zing that complements the rich company of mushrooms and creamy bacon.
Not to mention the cool, crisp lettuce gives your palate a break from all that rich, savory chicken!
8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Honey
The briny tartness of vinegar in this dish is super punchy but mellowed out by the honey just right.
Meanwhile, the earthy Brussels sprouts play perfectly off the nuanced flavor profiles of coq au vin.
The result? A match so magical they should bottle it!
9. Ina Garten’s Potato Salad
Cool, creamy, and herbaceous, Ina Garten’s potato salad is not one to miss.
The firm-yet-tender potatoes with crunchy celery hold their own against the complexity of wine-braised chicken.
Plus, they provide hearty comfort that pairs perfectly with each lip-smacking bite.
Garten’s iconic, crowd-pleasing potato salad is sure to make your next dinner party the talk of the town.
And while the recipe suggests chilling it for 30 minutes, it’s also incredible served warm.
10. Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven-roasted root vegetables, with their smoky, earthy flavors, are the perfect complement to coq au vin.
Roasting vegetables intensifies their taste and crunchy texture and offers a layer of caramelization that’s impossible to resist.
A side of oven-roasted carrots, red potatoes, parsnips, and beets is guaranteed to add a beautiful array of sweet notes and lovely colors to your plate.
11. Oven-Baked Potato Wedges
I know what you’re thinking: potato wedges with cop au vin? One is the kind of thing you get in a chain restaurant, and the other is a French masterpiece!
Okay, okay, hear me out!
From the deliciously crispy edges to the tender and fluffy center, potato wedges are welcome with any tender chicken dish.
Better yet, making oven-baked potato wedges is much less messy than deep-frying. And since they’re not skinny, you get a much more satisfying bite.
12. Roasted Sweet Potato
Coq au vin is super savory, so why not lift it a little with some sweetness on the side?
Sweet potatoes with chicken is the kind of dish I could eat every day. And it doesn’t hurt that they bring so much color to a meal.
That hint of sugar creates an exciting contrast with the lightly caramelized chicken and mushrooms in the stew. And you’ll love the texture too!
13. Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
These baby carrots bring the perfect amount of crunch, with just the right level of sweetness to add balance and depth to more robust flavors of coq au vin.
Better yet, the kids will love these little guys. So be sure to make extra!
14. Braised Fennel
Braised fennel cooked until tender and sweet is bright, full of unique flavor, and ideal with red wine-infused chicken stew.
Its subtle licorice-like taste complements the rich ingredients found in coq au vin and offers a lighter finish you just don’t get anywhere else.
15. Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese
Here’s another creamy dish you may not think would work with coq au vin.
Mac and cheese is classic American, and you’d be surprised at how well those cheesy flavors complement a French chicken stew.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind.
You’re making and serving a pretty fancy French dish. That means no Velveeta or impossibly orange cheese powder, please!
The last thing you want is to ruin all your hard work with pasta and cheese sauce from a packet.
Instead, swap the Colby cheese in this recipe for mature white cheddar and Gruyère. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
16. Texas Roadhouse Rolls
Bread is always a good choice when you’re serving something with a scrummy sauce.
After all, you want your friends and family to get every last drop, right? So give them some tender and fluffy bread to mop up their plates!
17. Paula Deen’s Squash Casserole
Trust me, this combination is a guaranteed winner.
The roasted squash adds a gorgeous contrast to the sautéed mushrooms and sweet onions of your coq au vin.
And let’s not forget the cheese! It provides a glamorous finishing touch that will leave your dinner guests in awe.
What to Serve with Coq au Vin (Top 17 Sides)
It’s time to stop stressing over what to serve with coq au vin. From rice and mushrooms to potatoes and sprouts, I’ve got plenty of sides for you to try.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select your favorite coq au vin side dish.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!
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