French Grilled Coq au Vin Skewers

Introduction

Experience the flavors of classic French Coq au Vin in a delicious, deconstructed grilled version. Marinated chicken skewers are seared at 1,000°F on the center grill grate of the Arteflame, locking in the juices before finishing to perfection on the flat cooktop. This method delivers an unbeatable depth of flavor while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. With the ability to grill your sides alongside your skewers, the Arteflame makes outdoor cooking easy, fun, and mess-free. Let’s fire up the grill and get cooking!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 cup dry red wine
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, halved
• 8 pearl onions, peeled
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into chunks
• Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the napkins; allow the fire to burn for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is hot.
4. The center grill grate will reach over 1,000°F, perfect for searing, while the outer cooktop provides different heat zones for finishing.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the red wine, garlic, mustard, thyme, melted butter, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces, tossing to coat evenly.
3. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

1. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with mushrooms, pearl onions, and bacon pieces.
2. Ensure even spacing for even cooking.

Step 4: Sear on the Arteflame Grill

1. Place the skewers on the center grill grate to sear at 1,000°F for about 2 minutes per side.
2. Turn the skewers to develop a deep, caramelized crust.

Step 5: Finish Cooking on the Flat Griddle Cooktop

1. Move the skewers to the outer cooktop to finish cooking through gently.
2. Cook for about 10 more minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
3. Remove from the grill at 160°F; residual heat will bring the chicken to 165°F.

Tips

• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• For extra richness, drizzle melted butter over the skewers before serving.
• Adjust placement on the cooktop to control heat intensity for perfect doneness.

Variations

1. White Wine & Herb: Substitute red wine with dry white wine and add rosemary for a lighter flavor.
2. Spicy Dijon: Add 1 tsp of red pepper flakes and an extra tablespoon of Dijon mustard for more heat.
3. Garlic Butter: Increase the butter to 2 tbsp and add more garlic for a richer taste.
4. Mediterranean Twist: Add cherry tomatoes and olives to the skewers for a fresh, Mediterranean flavor.
5. Smoky Bourbon: Replace the wine with bourbon and a teaspoon of brown sugar for a sweet smoky finish.

Conclusion

These French Grilled Coq au Vin Skewers bring the elegance of a classic dish to the grill in a simple yet delicious way. The Arteflame’s high-heat searing and even cooktop make creating gourmet meals easy and fun. Enjoy these rich, flavorful skewers knowing you’ve expertly grilled them to perfection!

Best Pairings

• A side of grilled asparagus with butter
• Crusty French baguette for soaking up the juices
• A bold red wine like Pinot Noir or Merlot
• Grilled potatoes seasoned with fresh herbs