Coq Au Vin, Pt. 1

Martha and Lorraine Bracco make Coq au Vin. Part 1.

Coq au Vin

6 large cloves garlic, smashed
4 whole black peppercorns
2 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
1 bay leaf
7 fresh sprigs flat-leaf parsley, stems and leaves separated
2 skinless and boneless whole chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces pearl onions, peeled
12 ounces white button mushrooms, halved or quartered
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons cognac
1 cup dry red wine
3 1/4 cup Homemade Chicken Stock, or canned low-sodium chicken broth, skimmed of fat
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Using a small piece of cheesecloth, make a bouquet garni: Wrap 3 garlic cloves, peppercorns, thyme, bay leaf, and parsley stems; tie in a bundle with kitchen twine.
Cut chicken into strips about 2 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. In a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and remaining 3 cloves garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown, about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook until golden, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a dish.
Add butter and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook in two batches until browned, about 1 minute per side. Return all chicken to pan. Add cognac and wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any cooked-on bits from the bottom. Add chicken stock; stir in tomato paste. Add bouquet garni. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, covered, 15 minutes. Add the reserved mushrooms, onions, and garlic; cook 5 minutes more.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken and vegetables to a bowl. Discard bouquet garni. Over high heat, reduce broth by half, about 12 minutes. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon cold water. Pour back into broth, and stir until incorporated. Cook 2 minutes. Return chicken, onions, and mushrooms to pot; cook over medium-low heat until heated through. Chop parsley leaves, and stir in. Garnish with thyme. Serve hot.