Mouthwatering Chicken Thighs in Wine and Lemon Sauce Recipe
Dear food enthusiasts,
Have you ever had a dish that left you speechless with its complexity of flavors, succulent meat, and aromatic sauce? Well, today I have the pleasure of introducing a recipe that encompasses all of these elements – Chicken Thighs in a Wine and Lemon Sauce.
As a sommelier, I take pride in creating dishes that not only taste divine but also pair perfectly with the right wine. This recipe is no exception. The white wine sauce made with dry white wine, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, red onion, and garlic cloves will tantalize your taste buds and perfectly complement the tender juicy chicken thighs.
But what makes this recipe truly remarkable is its versatility. It can be served with a variety of sides like artichokes or roasted potatoes, making it ideal for both formal dinner parties and cozy family meals.
So without further ado, let me invite you to join me on an adventure in the culinary world with Chicken Thighs in a Wine and Lemon Sauce. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you for it!
Sincerely,
Your Sommelier
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Thighs in a Wine and Lemon Sauce Recipe will make your taste buds sing with joy! Are you looking for a dish that’s easy to make and is full of flavor? Look no further. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion.
The combination of dry white wine, fresh lemon juice, chicken broth, red onion, garlic cloves, and butter creates an irresistibly tangy white wine sauce that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken thighs. The aroma alone will get your mouth watering!
Using bone-in and skin-on chicken thighs guarantees tender, juicy chicken with crispy skin that will leave you wanting more. But if you prefer boneless and skinless chicken breasts, go ahead and make the substitution.
And the best part? You can customize this recipe to fit your taste preferences! Add some capers for a burst of salty flavor, or sprinkle in some fresh chives for an extra pop of color.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and whip up this Lemon Chicken Thighs in White Wine Sauce recipe tonight!
Ingredient List
Here is the ingredient list for this succulent chicken thighs in a wine and lemon sauce recipe. You will need the following:
For the chicken:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Coarse salt to taste
- Lemon pepper to taste
- Herb of your choice
For the wine sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup chicken broth
To garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh chives
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know why this Chicken Thighs in a Wine and Lemon Sauce Recipe is irresistible let’s dive into the how-to. This is a dish that is both easy to make and full of flavor, perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying on a chilly night.
Ingredient List
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 cup dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 1/2 medium lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Making the White Wine Lemon Butter Sauce
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the foam subsides.
- Dry the chicken thighs thoroughly with paper towels and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Working in batches if necessary, cook the chicken skin-side down in a single layer until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Turn the chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish skin-side up and set it aside.
- Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from the skillet and return it to medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and onions and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add wine, bring to boil while stirring with a wooden spoon, scraping browned bits from pan.
- Cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice, zest, chives, and 2 teaspoons of flour until sauce thickens slightly.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake it for about 15-20 minutes or until juices run clear when a knife is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, about 165°F.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serving and Pairing
This Chicken Thighs in a Wine and Lemon Sauce Recipe will become your favorite comfort food once you give it a try. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or pasta, but I particularly like to serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
Tips for Perfect Results
For tender juicy chicken thighs, make sure to let them dry out on paper towels before seasoning them generously with salt and pepper.
FAQ
What wine goes best with this dish?
To maintain the flavor balance, it’s best to use the same dry white wine you’ve used in the recipe. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are both excellent options
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to put your own spin on this chicken dish? There are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to cater to your own tastes or dietary restrictions.
Firstly, if you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, they can easily be used in place of the bone-in, skin-on variety. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the smaller cut.
For those looking to lighten up the dish, feel free to use olive oil instead of butter in both the sauce and for cooking the chicken. Additionally, using chicken broth instead of wine will give the dish a different flavor profile.
Want to add some veggies to the mix? Consider adding artichokes to create a tangy and complex flavor while also adding some extra health benefits. Alternatively, include capers for a burst of briny goodness.
Those looking for a heartier meal can turn this into a one-pot dinner by adding some chunks of red potato, carrots or fennel bulb into the skillet with the chicken. You can also switch out white wine for red wine which will add depth to your sauce.
While lemon is the main flavor component in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other citrus flavors such as lime or grapefruit – each offering their own tantalizing flavor mashup.
Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or just seeking exciting variations, these substitution ideas will help elevate this dish from a classic recipe to something extraordinary.
Serving and Pairing
The wine and lemon sauce in this recipe will make your taste buds dance with excitement. It’s a perfect match for the tender and juicy chicken thighs. When preparing to serve this dish, garnish with fresh chives and some thinly sliced lemon. The chicken thighs coated in the white wine sauce is simply delicious.
But what wine goes with this delightful meal? As this recipe contains dry white wine as one of its main ingredients, it makes sense to choose a bottle of the same white wine to pair it with. A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would be great choices.
For those who prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir or Barbera will pair very well with the lemon-flavored chicken thighs. A fuller-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon may not be the best option for pairing with this dish.
As for the side dishes, roasted vegetables like carrots or potatoes will complement the chicken perfectly. You could also add a salad with vinaigrette dressing on the side to brighten up the meal even more.
This chicken thighs in wine and lemon sauce recipe is ideal for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party. Its versatility welcomes almost any side dish and pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine or light red, making it an effortless crowd-pleaser.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Lemon Chicken recipe is perfect for those who like to meal prep or make-ahead meals. You can prepare the dish ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken thighs soak up the flavors of the wine and lemon sauce, making them even more flavorful after reheating.
To store the dish, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop until it’s heated through. Make sure to stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
Another option is to freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat on the stovetop, place the chicken and sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of chicken broth or water if needed to thin out the sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer until heated through, for about 5-7 minutes.
To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken and sauce into an oven-proof dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
With its rich flavors and juicy chicken thighs, this Lemon Chicken in white wine sauce is perfect for meal prepping, make-ahead dinners, or quick weeknight meals. Whether reheated on the stove top or in the oven, this dish maintains its tenderness and pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes or crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the best results for your chicken thighs in wine and lemon sauce, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind:
1. Brown the chicken well: The chicken thighs should be nicely browned on the skin side before being cooked in the oven. This will give them a crispy texture and a rich flavor.
2. Use an oven-proof skillet: To ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly, it’s important to use an oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven. This will allow you to transfer the skillet from stovetop to oven without having to switch cookware.
3. Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Overcrowding the skillet can prevent the chicken thighs from browning properly and may cause them to steam instead of sear. Make sure there is enough space in the skillet for each piece of chicken.
4. Use fresh lemon juice: For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice. The bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon will elevate the taste of your sauce.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste: The recipe calls for salt and pepper, but feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste as you go along and add more seasoning as needed.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with perfectly tender, juicy chicken thighs in a delectable white wine and lemon sauce.
FAQ
It’s normal to have questions or doubts when trying out a new recipe. Here are the frequently asked questions about this chicken thighs in a wine and lemon sauce recipe that I have provided. These will guide you on how to get perfect results from your cooking venture, help troubleshoot any concerns, and clarify any doubts you might have before making this dish.
What wine goes with chicken in lemon sauce?
Lemon Chicken is best enjoyed with white wines that have a neutral taste like Pinot Grigio, Godello, and Albariño. Additionally, Chardonnay that has hints of apple and pear flavour can also be paired with Lemon Chicken for a delightful taste.
Does lemon and white wine go together?
Create a delightful spring and summer drink with a pop of citrus by combining your preferred white wine with a Lemon Lime Wine Spritzer recipe that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
What is lemon chicken sauce made of?
Looking for a simple and delicious sauce that goes well with everything from chicken to vegetables? Try making a creamy mixture of chicken soup, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of spices. To add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or basil onto your dish. This versatile sauce can be used on pasta, rice or any other meal that needs a bit of creamy and tangy kick.
What wine goes with chicken thighs?
When it comes to pairing wines with spicy chicken dishes, aromatic white wines such as medium-dry Riesling and Pinot Gris, as well as fruity rosés, are excellent choices. These wines not only complement the flavors of the dish, but also add a pleasant aroma to the dining experience.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe of chicken thighs in a wine and lemon sauce is a perfect addition to any meal. The combination of the dry white wine and fresh lemon juice provides a unique and refreshing taste to the tender juicy chicken thighs. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but its versatility allows for several variations to suit your taste buds.
This dish pairs perfectly with a light and crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity of the wine balances the lemony flavors of the chicken and enhances its overall taste. Furthermore, serving it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables adds depth and richness to the dish.
Overall, this chicken thighs recipe is an ideal choice for any special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner. It is easy to prepare, flavorful, healthy, and above all, delicious. Whether you are an experienced cook or just beginning in the kitchen, this recipe will make you feel like a gourmet chef. So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get ready to indulge in a delectable feast!
Chicken Thighs in a Wine and Lemon Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, sliced thin
- 8 -10 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh chives, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup dry white wine
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Season thighs well on both sides with lemon pepper. Place the flour in a shallow dish. Then dredge the chicken in the flour and place on a separate plate.
- In a deep oven proof skillet or dutch oven, add oil and heat over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot but not smoking, add the thighs and brown well on both sides, about 5 or 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the onions to the oil and cook, stirring to scrape up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute or two. Add the wine, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Let mixture simmer for a few minutes. Add the butter and allow it to melt.
- Add the chicken thighs to the sauce. Top with chopped chives. Cover with lid, and place in the middle of the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, remove the lid and cook an additional 20 minutes. Before serving sprinkle with a garnish of fresh chopped chives and the ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
Add Your Own Notes
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