Easy Chardonnay Chicken Recipe for Your Next Dinner Party
Are you looking for a simple yet elegant dish to impress your guests or family members? Look no further than this chardonnay chicken recipe. This recipe combines the richness of a creamy wine sauce with the tender texture of boneless chicken breast halves, topped with sautéed mushrooms.
If you are a fan of white wines, particularly chardonnay or sauvignon blanc, then this recipe is definitely for you. The dry white wine used in this dish is the base for the delicious chardonnay sauce that elevates the chicken to a whole new level.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some medium-level cooking skills, you can whip up this impressive meal in no time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with pasta, coq au vin blanc, tarragon chicken breast and other dishes.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking and create a mouth-watering chardonnay chicken dish that will remind you why homemade meals are unbeatable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old chicken recipe? Look no further! The Chardonnay Chicken recipe is here and it will spice up your mealtime routine. This dish is simple yet elegant, perfect for date night or a dinner party but also an easy weeknight meal.
Why will you love this recipe? For starters, it’s versatile. You can use boneless chicken breast or thigh halves, whichever you prefer. The creamy wine sauce makes this dish great for serving over pasta or rice. It’s also a fantastic main course to pair with mashed potatoes and greens.
But what really makes this dish special is the sauce. The dry white wine, specifically Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, brings out the richness in the chicken without overpowering it. When simmered with butter, thyme, onions and Worcestershire sauce, this wine sauce takes on a smooth texture that’s so delicious and silky.
The sautéed mushrooms in the sauce add a nice chewy texture as they soak up all that flavourful goodness. And if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, try subbing them out for green beans or any other veggies that you fancy — the versatility of this dish ensures endless possibilities!
This chicken chardonnay recipe is not only simple to make but will impress guests with its restaurant-quality presentation. The tender chicken breasts topped with sautéed mushrooms in a creamy white wine sauce will delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger like few other dishes can.
So whether you’re looking to switch up your usual chicken dishes or impress someone special with a memorable meal, the Chardonnay Chicken recipe is sure to impress. It’s an affordable gourmet meal that pleases even those who don’t like chicken dishes!
Ingredient List
- 4 boneless chicken breast halves
- Salt and pepper, to taste (approx. 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
The ingredient list for this Chardonnay Chicken recipe may seem lengthy, but most of these items are kitchen essentials that you probably already have on hand. Opt for skinless chicken breasts to keep this dish healthy and the focus on the wine sauce. Use dry white wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) for the best flavor. The sauce is made by mixing together chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and heavy cream – all pantry staples you will likely have on hand.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the chicken breasts
Start by rinsing and patting dry 4 boneless chicken breast halves with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Step 2: Sautéing the onions and mushrooms
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once heated, add ½ cup chopped onion and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add in 1 cup sliced mushrooms and continue to cook until they are browned.
Step 3: Cooking the chicken
Remove the sautéed onions and mushrooms from the pan, set aside on a separate plate. Using the same pan, add more olive oil if needed, raise the heat to medium/high, and then add each seasoned chicken breast halves facing down (skin-side down first).
Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown on each side. This will give them that beautiful color.
Once fully cooked, remove from heat and transfer them onto a serving dish.
Step 4: Making the creamy wine sauce
Keep your pan on medium heat(here’s where you get all that delicious flavor) adding in 4 tbsp of butter, letting it melt before adding in 2 cups of dry white wine, preferably chardonnay. You could also use other white wines like sauvignon blanc, but chardonnay adds that extra layer of creaminess to the sauce. Stir constantly until everything is combined and bring to a boil.
Let it simmer for about four minutes so that it thickens slightly before adding in half of your set aside sautéed onions and mushroom to the sauce. Reserve the rest for toppings.
Finish by pouring in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly as it will thicken quickly. Let it simmer for another 3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the cream has been fully incorporated.
Step 5: Serving
Add your reserved onions and mushrooms on top of your cooked chicken breasts to give them some extra flavor and texture. Lastly, pour over the creamy wine sauce over the chicken breasts or try pairing with some delicious pasta.
Enjoy your delicious chardonnay chicken recipe – a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or any time you need a satisfying meal.
Substitutions and Variations
There’s always room for experimentation in the kitchen, and this chardonnay chicken recipe is no exception. Here are some substitutions and variations that can be made to tailor the dish to your liking.
– Wine: If you don’t have chardonnay on hand, feel free to use another dry white wine like sauvignon blanc. Just make sure it’s not too sweet or acidic to overpower the chicken. Cooking wine can also be used as a substitute.
– Skinless Chicken Breast: If boneless chicken breast halves are not available, skin-on breasts can be used as well. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
– Mushrooms Chardonnay: The mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor to the dish. However, if you’re not a fan of mushrooms or if they’re unavailable, try substituting with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
– Creamy Sauce: For a creamier sauce, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, try using chicken broth instead of wine for a less creamy sauce.
– Chicken Thighs: This recipe can easily be adapted for chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just increase cooking time to ensure that they are fully cooked through.
– Pasta: Chardonnay chicken is delicious served over pasta. Boil some spaghetti or fettuccine as the perfect accompaniment to this simple yet elegant dish.
– Coq au Vin Blanc: For a twist on classic coq au vin (chicken cooked in red wine), try making coq au vin blanc (chicken cooked in white wine) using this chardonnay recipe.
– Tarragon Chicken Breast: Add 1 teaspoon of tarragon to the sauce for a lovely herb-infused flavor that pairs perfectly with white wine.
– Mushroom Sauce: If you prefer more sauce with your chicken, double the amount of mushrooms and use a blender or immersion blender to puree the mushroom sauce before adding it to the chicken. This creates a meaty, flavorful sauce that is perfect for any chicken dish.
The possibilities are endless with this versatile chardonnay chicken recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
This chardonnay chicken recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that pairs perfectly with a dry white wine. A sauvignon blanc or chardonnay wine would be an excellent choice to serve alongside this chicken dish.
To serve, place the chicken breasts topped with sautéed mushrooms and creamy wine sauce on a plate and garnish with fresh thyme. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
For a twist on the classic chicken coq au vin blanc recipe, use the leftover chardonnay wine sauce as a base for a hearty chicken pasta dish. Add some tarragon to the chicken breast and top it off with some of the mushroom sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
This recipe is versatile and can be easily modified to suit your preferences. If you prefer dark meat, try using chicken thighs instead of breast halves. You can also substitute the mushrooms for other vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers.
Overall, this chardonnay chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress guests with its flavorful aroma and creamy texture. It’s perfect for a date night or a special dinner occasion, and goes well with a glass of your favorite white wine.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Chardonnay Chicken recipe is a great option for meal prep and make-ahead dinners. The chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat the chicken by placing it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or heat it up in a skillet with some olive oil over medium heat until warmed through.
The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored separately. It will last for up to three days in the refrigerator, and can be reheated on the stovetop using medium-low heat. If the sauce has thickened, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out.
Another option is to freeze the cooked chicken breast. Let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer bag or container. It will last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, defrost the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as instructed above.
This dish is versatile and pairs well with many different sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or rice pilaf. You can even use the leftovers in other dishes, like a chicken coq au vin blanc or a chicken pasta with mushroom sauce.
Overall, this Chardonnay Chicken is an easy and elegant dish that can be made ahead of time for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its creamy wine sauce and tender chicken breast, it’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the perfect chardonnay chicken, it’s essential to keep in mind a few tips that will elevate the dish to the next level. First and foremost, when sautéing the chicken breasts, use medium heat. Doing so will ensure they cook evenly without overcooking on the outside or undercooking on the inside. Another important tip is to season the chicken breasts with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper before cooking. This simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the chicken while adding depth and seasoning to the dish.
When adding in the mushrooms to the wine sauce, make sure they are cooked through before serving. Mushrooms absorb liquid quickly, so be patient while cooking them to ensure they are thoroughly cooked and tender.
One crucial aspect of this recipe is using a dry white wine like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc for the wine sauce. Cooking wine may contain additives that alter the taste of the dish, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible. Adding a cup of chardonnay to this recipe gives it a beautiful depth of flavor and elevates it from a standard chicken dish to something magical.
For those who want a creamier chicken chardonnay recipe, add 1 cup of heavy cream during the final few minutes of cooking. Doing so creates a luxurious creaminess that pairs beautifully with pasta or rice.
Lastly, if you’re tired of cooking boneless chicken breast halves, try using boneless chicken thighs instead. They cook up similarly and have a richer, more succulent flavor that pairs perfectly with this chardonnay sauce.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create a delicious chardonnay chicken that is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
FAQ
As a sommelier, I understand that even with detailed recipes, there may still be some questions or concerns about the preparation and cooking process. Therefore, in this section, I will provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this Chardonnay Chicken recipe.
Is Chardonnay good for cooking chicken?
When it comes to pairing wine with poultry, the color and type of meat can make a difference. Typically, white meat like chicken or turkey breast goes along well with white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. On the other hand, darker meat like duck or game meat complement medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel.
What can you cook with Chardonnay?
When it comes to pairing wine with white meat dishes that are accompanied by cream sauces or gravies, opting for a dry white wine with a strong and dense flavor like Chardonnay is a good choice. While there are various white wines that offer a creamy texture, Chardonnay is most commonly found and would pair well with these types of dishes.
What is the best wine for cooking chicken?
When it comes to using wine as an ingredient in cooking, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay are both reliable choices. Sauvignon blanc boasts a sharper flavor profile, while chardonnay is more full-bodied. However, their subtleties tend to be muted when incorporated into a dish, making them both versatile options in the kitchen.
What does cooking wine do to chicken?
Wine, with its acidic composition, serves as a great tenderizing agent for meat. In addition, the flavorful properties of wine make it an ideal ingredient for marinades, which helps in keeping the meat, poultry, or seafood moist as it cooks.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chardonnay Chicken recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. The wine sauce adds a creamy and flavorful touch to the dish, turning it into a culinary masterpiece.
Whether you use dry white wine, cooking wine, or even Sauvignon Blanc, this recipe will create a succulent and tender chicken that pairs perfectly with a pasta dish or a side of vegetables.
So next time you’re in the mood for a delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish, give this Chardonnay Chicken recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Chardonnay Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- skinless chicken breast
- Worcestershire sauce
- zatarain's creole seasoning
- butter, pats
- onion, sliced
- meat tenderizer
- thyme (crushed)
- Chardonnay wine (I used Ernest & Julio Gallo)
Instructions
- Place chicken in a glass baking dish.
- Sprinkle each breast with Worcestershire sauce (to taste).
- Top with the following:
- Meat Tenderizer.
- Zatarain's Creole Seasoning (to taste).
- thyme.
- Place an onion slice on each breast along with a pat of butter.
- Pour wine to side of each breast, I usually pour enough wine around to half submerge each piece.
- Bake at 350 oven until chicken is tender/done.
- About 30 minutes.
- "Broth"can be used as a gravy for creamed potatoes.
- MMMMMM!
- Serve with broccoli/cheese& creamed potatoes.
- My kids love it!