Basque Chicken and Shrimp Recipe: A Wine Lover’s Delight
When one prepares a meal, they may often feel the need to bring out their creativity and add flavors that not only delight the senses but also evoke a sense of adventure. I present to you today a dish that embodies both of these characteristics- Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine.
This dish hails from the Basque region and is a well-known favorite in French cuisine. It is an easy-to-follow recipe while still tempting to the palate. Perfect on its own, this hearty stew is perfect for cold evenings or hearty lunches.
Between the juicy chicken pieces and succulent shrimp, and a wine-based sauce full of complex flavors, it’s hard not to fall in love with Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine. This is a dish that I am confident will become a staple in your home, much like it has in mine. So let’s put our aprons on and start cooking this wonderful dish together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a dish that will transport you to the Basque region with every bite? Look no further than this Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine Recipe. This dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken pieces and succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s easy to make but still has that gourmet feel. This means you can prepare a restaurant-quality meal at home without having to spend hours in the kitchen. All you need are fresh ingredients like onions, bell peppers, garlic, and lean ham plus some pantry staples like dried herbs and spices, all-purpose flour, and chicken stock.
Another reason why this Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine Recipe is perfect for your next meal is its versatility. You can easily switch up the protein by using chicken breast, chicken chorizo or chicken prawns depending on your preference. For seafood lovers, simply swap out the chicken pieces with shrimp to create a creamy Basque shrimp scampi recipe that’s sure to impress.
Lastly, the real star of this dish is the dry white wine that adds an irresistible depth of flavor to the recipe. The wine sauce pairs perfectly with crusty bread or rice, making it an authentic Basque cuisine experience at home. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy dinner indoors or celebrating special occasions with loved ones, this Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine Recipe will surely satisfy your cravings for delectable comfort food from the Basque region.
Ingredient List
What you’ll need:
- Dry white wine: 1/2 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
- Onions: 2, diced
- Lean ham: 1/4 pound, cubed
- Olive oil: 4 tablespoons
- Shrimp: 1/2 pound, shelled and deveined
- Chicken pieces: 1 pound, bone-in or boneless
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried oregano leaves: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme leaves: 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil leaves: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- White pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Paprika: 2 teaspoons
Note: This recipe requires a few key ingredients typical of the Basque cuisine such as dry white wine, onions, olive oil and bell peppers. You may also find it easier to prepare using some pre-made ingreients such as chicken parts or shrimp scampi (more on that below).
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients and are ready to start cooking, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making this delicious Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine recipe.
1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper:
First, we need to prepare the chicken pieces by seasoning them with salt and pepper. This helps to ensure that the chicken is well-seasoned throughout and adds flavor to the dish.
2. Dredge chicken pieces in flour:
Next, coat the chicken pieces in a mixture of all-purpose flour, ground nutmeg, dried oregano, thyme leaves, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper and white pepper. This mixture not only adds flavor but also helps to thicken the wine sauce.
3. Sear the chicken on medium heat:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken pieces until they are golden brown on both sides. You may need to work in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan.
4. Add onions, garlic and lean ham:
Once the chicken is cooked, add chopped onions – this adds a sweet depth of flavor – garlic cloves minced – this gives complexity to any dish – and lean ham cut into small cubes to the skillet to create a rich base for our wine sauce.
5. Pour in dry white wine:
Pour in the dry white wine gradually by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This helps de-glaze our pan so we can utilize all those delicious caramelized bits. Bring it to a boil then reduce heat to low-medium.
6. Add chicken stock:
Next, add chicken stock gradually while stirring occasionally until everything is well combined and bring it back to simmer.
7. Add shrimp:
Now we can add our shrimp to the skillet, season with salt and pepper then continue simmering for 5 minutes. Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as it will become rubbery and lacking flavor.
8. Serve Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine:
Finally, it’s time to plate up our delicious Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine. Serve this dish with crusty bread, rice or some vegetables on the side with chopped parsley sprinkled on top of the dish.
This recipe gracefully balances between richness, acidity and sweetness, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. I hope you enjoy this Basque-inspired cuisine as much as I do
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are always options for substitutions and variations to suit your tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas for making this Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine recipe your own:
– Vegetarian or Vegan: If you prefer not to use chicken or shrimp, you can easily make this a vegetarian or vegan dish by using plant-based proteins such as tofu, seitan, or jackfruit. Instead of chicken stock, use vegetable broth.
– Gluten-free: Swap the all-purpose flour for an alternative flour such as rice flour or gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
– Spice level: If you like your dishes spicier, add more paprika or cayenne pepper to the recipe. To reduce the heat, skip the black pepper altogether.
– Meats: You can also use lean pork, beef or lamb instead of chicken. For instance, try a “Poulet Basquaise” style dish featuring baked chicken and chorizo.
– Seafood: The flavors of dried herbs and white wine work wonderfully with seafood. Swap out the chicken pieces for scallops, clams or mussels. Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro at the end of cooking.
– Creamy Basque Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Michel Roux Jr has an incredible creamy shrimp scampi recipe that is always a hit at dinner parties. Use that instead!
Adding bell peppers is also a popular alternative in this recipe due to Basque cuisine’s inclination towards colorful vegetables. The key here is to play around with different alternatives until you find that perfect combination that speaks to your palette!
Serving and Pairing
The Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine recipe is a delightful dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. The wine sauce adds complexity to the dish that can complement different flavors, making it an easy choice for both a weekday meal or a weekend dinner party.
One classic pairing for this dish is with boiled white rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful sauce. Another popular pairing is rosemary roasted potatoes, which enhances the savory notes of the chicken and adds texture to the dish. If you prefer vegetables, sautéed green beans or Brussels sprouts can add color and balance to the plate.
For wine pairing, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can work well with this recipe as they bring acidity and freshness to cut through the richness of the wine sauce. A full-bodied red wine such as Rioja or Tempranillo from Spain could also offer more earthy tannins that will contrast with the sweetness of the shrimp.
This Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine recipe is perfect for sharing with friends and family at a gathering. Pairing it with crusty bread and a simple green salad can take it from an everyday meal to an impressive feast. No matter how you choose to serve it, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your all-time favorites that you’ll want to make again and again.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine Recipe is a great dish to make ahead of time. You can prepare the recipe the night before and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to let the chicken and shrimp cool down completely before storing them.
When it’s time to reheat the dish, you can do so on the stovetop or in the oven. To reheat on the stovetop, place the chicken and shrimp in a large skillet with a little extra virgin olive oil. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you opt for reheating in the oven, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the chicken and shrimp in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating leftovers, use the stovetop or oven method described above, and keep in mind that leftover chicken or shrimp may lose some of their tenderness so try not to overcook them during reheating.
By making this Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine Recipe ahead of time, you can save yourself some stress when hosting a dinner party or feeding your family after a long day at work. The flavors meld together even more after being stored overnight, so it’s truly a win-win situation!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine recipe, you may need some tips to guide you. Here are some of my favorite tips that will help you craft an amazing dish that your guests will love.
1. Use high-quality dry white wine
The quality of wine matters in this recipe as it adds flavor and aroma to the chicken and shrimp. Choose a good quality dry white wine from a reputable winery to ensure the best taste.
2. Do not overcook the chicken
Overcooked chicken can be tough and dry, so it’s important to cook it just right. Cook the chicken pieces for about 8-10 minutes per side on medium heat until golden brown and cooked all the way through.
3. Don’t skip the ham
Lean ham is an essential ingredient in this recipe as it adds a smoky flavor to the dish. Make sure to use only high-quality, lean ham for optimal results.
4. Thicken the sauce
For a creamier, more flavorful sauce, add some flour to thicken it up. Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with some chicken broth until smooth, then add it to the pot during cooking.
5. Use fresh herbs if possible
While dried herbs work well in this recipe, fresh ones will give you an extra boost of flavor. If possible, use fresh oregano and thyme instead of dried ones.
6. Let the dish sit before serving
Allowing the Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine recipe to rest for a few minutes after cooking will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer taste.
By following these simple tips, you can create a delicious Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine recipe that is sure to impress your guests!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine recipe is a must-try dish for all lovers of flavorsome cuisine. The dish is perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings, as it’s easy to make and can be adapted to various preferences. With just the right amount of spices and herbs, this recipe achieves a balanced flavor that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Not only does this recipe have a rich history tied to Basque cuisine, but it also allows for the use of local ingredients in different parts of the world.
Moreover, with its versatility, you can serve it with your favorite dishes or experiment with pairing it with other cuisines. Regardless of what you choose, this meal offers a unique taste experience. It is also perfect for wine lovers who enjoy drinking white wines. A dry white wine will perfectly complement the exquisite chicken shrimp wine sauce.
In summary, once you have tasted Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine Recipe, I guarantee that it will become a regular feature on your menu. Give yourself and your family a treat today and take them on a culinary adventure as we explore the flavors of Basque cuisine.
Basque Chicken and Shrimp in Wine Recipe
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Chicken
- 8 chicken pieces
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups lean ham, diced
- 1 1/2 cups onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups dry white wine, in all
- 2 cups chicken stock
Instructions
- If finishing in the oven: preheat oven to 350°.
- Combine seasoning mix ingredients and set aside.
- Remove all visible fat from chicken.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of seasoning mix over chicken and rub in well.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 teaspoons of seasoning mix over shrimp and rub in well.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet over high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove chicken to a bowl or plate.
- Add ham to skillet and saute, stirring once or twice, about 2 minutes.
- Add onions and 1 tablespoon of seasoning mix.
- Cook until a crust begins to form on bottom of pan, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook until crust begins to harden, about 3 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of wine.
- Stir and scrape bottom of pan to dissolve crust.
- Cook, scraping well, 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in stock, scrape pan, and bring to a boil.
- Stir in remaining seasoning mix and bring to a rolling boil.
- Whisk in remaining wine.
- Cook 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- To finish in oven: Place chicken and accumulated juices in an oven-proof casserole.
- Place shrimp on top.
- Pour sauce over them.
- Cover and bake until chicken is done, about 30 minutes.
- To finish on stovetop: Add chicken and accumulated juices back into skillet and stir.
- Add shrimp to skillet and stir.
- Spoon some sauce over chicken and shrimp.
- Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until chicken is done, about 30 minutes.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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