Are you looking for a way to spice up your weekly dinner routine? Look no further than this delicious chicken in red wine with raisins recipe.

This dish is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with tender chicken breast fillets soaking up the rich flavors of the red wine and succulent raisins. The depth of flavor is complemented by a blend of spices including cloves, cinnamon, and gingerroot, which add warmth and complexity to each bite.

Not only is this recipe impressive in taste, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a bit of butter, flour, and chicken broth, you can create a mouthwatering sauce to coat the chicken and vegetables. Plus, the addition of dried fruits such as apricots and plums adds tremendous depth to the marinade.

Whether you’re cooking for a dinner party or simply cooking for two, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab a bottle of your favorite dry red wine and get started on this delightful dish tonight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you looking for a dish that’s both delicious and elegant? Look no further than this Chicken in Red Wine with Raisins recipe!

There are countless reasons why you should fall in love with this rich and flavorful dish. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make, which means that even amateur cooks can pull off a gourmet meal that will impress any dinner guest. Plus, the combination of savory chicken broth, sweet raisins, and bold red wine creates a unique blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds in the best way possible.

But perhaps the biggest reason why you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or hosting a fancy dinner party, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. You can serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even with crusty bread to soak up the delicious wine sauce. The addition of dried fruits such as cranberries or dried apricots also adds dimension and complexity to the dish – making it perfect for experimenting with different variations.

With so many fantastic qualities, it’s easy to see why Chicken in Red Wine with Raisins should become your new go-to weeknight meal or your star dish for any special gathering. Impress your friends and family with this flavorful and visually stunning creation – get ready to receive countless praises!

Ingredient List

A perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness in one dish!

Chicken

The star of this recipe is the chicken, which you can either use chicken breast fillets or boneless chicken thighs. Whichever you choose, it’s important that you season them well with salt and pepper before cooking.

Red Wine

To make the rich sauce that covers the chicken, you’ll need a good red wine. Look for one that is dry and full-bodied, like cabernet sauvignon or merlot. Avoid using cooking wine as they have added salt and preservatives.

Raisins

Raisins are an essential ingredient to this dish; they add sweetness and texture to the sauce. You’ll need seedless raisins which you should soak in red wine before adding them to the dish. Other dried fruits such as apricots, plums, cranberries or golden raisins are also great options.

Chicken Broth

Alongside red wine, chicken broth gives depth of flavour to the sauce. Use a good quality store-bought broth or make it yourself from bouillon cubes.

Butter and Flour

To thicken the sauce, you’ll need a roux made out of butter and flour. This helps create a silky texture, making the sauce velvety-smooth.

Onion and Garlic

Onion and garlic are key aromatics for almost any savoury dish. In this recipe, we recommend using red onion alongside regular onions to give a boost of sweetness to the dish, while garlic adds depth of flavour.

Spices

A warming blend of ground cinnamon, ground ginger, cloves along with freshly grated gingerroot give this dish its characteristic warmth and complexity.

Red Wine Vinegar

For a slight pop of acidity that cuts through the richness of the sauce, take note of adding a bit of red wine vinegar.

With these ingredients, you’ll end up with a hearty and flavourful chicken dish that’s perfect for entertaining or a Sunday dinner.

The Recipe How-To

This chicken in red wine sauce will make you lick your plate clean.

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

In a large bowl, marinate chicken breast fillets in red wine and chicken broth for at least 12 hours. This step will infuse the chicken with flavor and make it tender and juicy.

Step 2: Prepare the ingredients

Remove the marinated chicken from the liquid, pat dry with paper towels, and season with salt and pepper.
Set aside the remaining marinade liquid.
In a separate bowl, soak seedless raisins and other dried fruits (such as cranberries or dried apricots) in warm water or orange juice for at least 30 minutes until they become plump and juicy.

Step 3: Brown the chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breast fillets and cook on each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the onions and garlic

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent.

Step 5: Deglaze with red wine vinegar

Pour red wine vinegar over the onions, stirring constantly to scrape off any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 6: Add the liquids

Return the browned chicken to the skillet.
Add back in any remaining marinade liquid plus an additional cup of red wine (dry or semi-dry), one tablespoon of chicken bouillon, a pinch of ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground ginger, two cloves, and half a cup of raisins.

Step 7: Braise everything together

Nestle any additional fruits amongthe chicken fillets, such as dried plums or golden raisins.
Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Step 8: Adjust seasoning and serve

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.
Serve hot, spooning the sauce over the chicken. This dish pairs well with buttered noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Substitutions and Variations

Who says chicken can’t be fancy? Try this recipe with a glass of red wine for a truly luxurious experience.

If you’re looking to mix up this recipe or swap out certain ingredients, here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:

– Chicken: This recipe calls for chicken breast fillets, but you could easily use boneless chicken thighs or even chopped cubed chicken instead.

– Wine: While the recipe calls for a dry red wine, you could also try using a full-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a fruity red like Pinot Noir.

– Raisins: If you don’t have any seedless raisins on hand, try substituting them with dried cranberries, golden raisins or chopped dried apricots.

– Vegetables: This recipe only calls for pearl onions, but if you have other vegetables that need to be used in your refrigerator, feel free to add carrots or chunks of sweet potato.

– Meat: For variation, you can replace the chicken with chorizo slices to create a Spanish-style dish similar to “pollo con chorizo.” You can also try using beef instead of chicken to make a beef bourguignon type dish or try the original coq au vin recipe which involves braising the chicken thighs with bacon and mushrooms.

– Sauce thickness: Adjust the amount of flour used in the roux in order to achieve a thinner sauce. This can be especially helpful if you opt for chicken thighs over breast fillets as this may produce more natural liquid.

Always keep in mind that substitutions can alter the overall flavor profile of this dish, so experiment cautiously!

Serving and Pairing

With the sweetness of raisins and the tangy flavor of red wine, it’s no wonder this is a classic favorite.

The Chicken in Red Wine with Raisins is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with a rich, full-bodied wine. I recommend selecting a red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah to balance the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken and raisins.

Once you have selected your wine, it’s time to serve up this delightful dish. The Chicken in Red Wine with Raisins is versatile and can be served on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.

For a classic presentation, serve this chicken with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. But don’t stop there! This dish goes great with a side of roasted vegetables, green salad or creamy polenta.

You can also pair this recipe with both boneless and bone-in chicken depending on your preference or event. Bone-in options can add extra depth to flavour whilst boneless chicken can provide more convenience whilst eating.

If you are having guests over, don’t hesitate to impress them by pairing this delectable recipe with some gourmet sides like sautéed mushrooms or crispy chorizo sausage. This recipe is sure to impress, so enjoy every bite and savor the wonderful flavors that come together in each cooked piece of juicy chicken.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Picture-perfect plating for a stunning meal anyone will love.

If you’re planning to make this Chicken in Red Wine with Raisins recipe ahead of time, it is important to know how to store and reheat it without compromising its taste and texture.

To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the chicken as instructed but do not add the raisins and wine until just before baking. You can then store the chicken broth, chicken bouillon, ground cinnamon, cloves, gingerroot mixture and chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This will give the chicken enough time to soak in the flavor of the marinade.

Once you’re ready to cook, simply add the raisins and wine to the dish and bake according to instructions.

If there are any leftovers, let them cool down completely before storing them in airtight containers or freezer bags. You can keep this dish in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.

When reheating, make sure that you thaw frozen portions before placing them in the oven or microwave. You can reheat your Chicken in Red Wine with Raisins by gently heating it on low power in a microwave until warm or by warming it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or cooking several servings ahead of time. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting for a special occasion, this recipe has got you covered!

Tips for Perfect Results

Bring a touch of elegance to your table with this mouth-watering dish.

To ensure that your Chicken in Red Wine with Raisins turns out perfectly every time you make it, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Firstly, make sure to use a dry red wine. This gives the dish a robust flavor without making it too sweet. You can also experiment with different types of red wine to find one that complements the other flavors in the dish.

Secondly, for best results, marinade the chicken overnight or for at least 12 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the meat to absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinade, making it more tender and flavorful.

When cooking the chicken, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from browning properly and may result in uneven cooking. Instead, cook the chicken in batches if necessary, or use a larger pan.

Another tip is to season the chicken well before cooking. This helps to enhance its natural flavor and complements the other ingredients in the dish. Be sure to season both sides of each piece of chicken evenly.

Lastly, be sure not to overcook the chicken breasts or thighs, as they can become dry and tough. Cook them until they are just done and remove them from the heat promptly.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful Chicken in Red Wine with Raisins every time!

FAQ

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious chicken in red wine with raisins recipe, it is time to clear some doubts. In this section, I have provided answers to frequently asked questions that may arise during the recipe preparation or after serving it. I hope these insights help you enhance your cooking expertise and elevate your experience with this tasty dish.

Can I soak raisins in red wine?

To prepare the raisins for the brownies, it is recommended to soak them in red wine for a minimum of 12 hours. This can be done in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, simply by combining the raisins and red wine, giving it a gentle shake, and leaving it to soak overnight. After the soaking period, it is important to drain the raisins, while keeping the wine to use for the recipe.

How long to soak raisins in wine?

To make a delectable concoction, mix water, wine, and sugar in a pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for about five minutes before taking it off the heat. Then, add in some raisins and the seeds from a vanilla bean, along with the bean itself. Leave the mixture to rest for around 12 hours at room temperature so that it can properly meld together.

What is the best wine for cooking chicken?

When it comes to cooking, both sauvignon blanc and chardonnay are reliable choices. Although sauvignon blanc has a sharper taste, and chardonnay has a richer flavor, their nuances don’t make a significant difference when used as ingredients in dishes.

What wine goes with Mediterranean chicken?

If you’re looking for a wine that goes well with a variety of foods, Chardonnay, Semillion and Viognier are great options to choose from. These wines are complex and flavorful, pairing excellently with a range of dishes including poultry, game birds, fish, shellfish, rich buttery foods, creamy dishes and cheese made from cow’s milk. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, rosé wines have a variety of flavors including red fruit, floral notes, citrus, and melon. It’s a great choice to enjoy on its own or with a light meal.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Chicken in Red Wine with Raisins recipe is a delicious dinner option that will leave your taste buds dancing. The combination of the tender chicken breast fillets, juicy raisins, and savory wine sauce is a match made in heaven that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner to enjoy on a cold evening or a special dish to serve at a dinner party, this recipe ticks all the boxes.

So why not give this recipe a try today? Invite your loved ones over, pour yourself a glass of your favorite red wine and let this delectable dish take center stage. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes for years to come. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and experience the magic of Chicken in Red Wine with Raisins first hand!

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