Impress Your Guests with this Chicken and Chardonnay Dish
Welcome to my kitchen, fellow foodies! Today, I have a special recipe to share with you. This dish is perfect for any night of the week and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. I present to you my Chicken Vegetable Chardonnay recipe – a delicious and easy meal that is full of flavor.
This recipe combines tender pieces of chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables, all cooked together in a creamy chardonnay sauce. The result is a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for any occasion!
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course for dinner or even as a hearty lunch. It’s also an excellent choice for entertaining guests, as it looks impressive but requires minimal effort to prepare.
Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for you. So dust off your apron and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken vegetable chardonnay recipe is a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors, making it an ideal meal for both, family dinner or a romantic night in with a loved one. The dish features braised chicken, carrots, onions, garlic, parsnips, potatoes, celery, zucchini, and sweet potatoes drenched in a delightful white wine sauce.
But why do you need to try this recipe? Well, for starters, it’s an easy chicken recipe that you can make in less than an hour. With only a handful of ingredients to work with, this recipe is perfect for beginners who are still trying to master the culinary world.
More so, the chicken vegetable chardonnay recipe is versatile as you can substitute different vegetables based on your preference to cater to your taste buds. This means you can get creative and play around with different variations until you find the perfect combination that speaks to your flavor profile.
Additionally, the creamy chicken and vegetable chardonnay recipe makes for an excellent food pairing with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes or even some slow-cooked pasta. The dish is hearty enough to serve as a standalone meal or even paired with other savory delicacies for larger gatherings.
Last but not least, if you’re a wine lover like me, you’ll be thrilled by the fact that this dish comes together perfectly well with both Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines. The chardonnay wine-based sauce complements the flavor profile of the braised chicken thighs exceptionally well.
In conclusion, there are several reasons why you should try out this delicious chicken vegetable chardonnay recipe: It’s simple and easy to make; it’s versatile; it pairs well with lots of other side dishes; it’s excellent for both large and small gatherings. Don’t hesitate to try out this incredible recipe today!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients needed for this Chicken Vegetable Chardonnay Recipe:
- 1 1/2 to 2 lb chicken (chicken breasts or chicken thighs)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 head garlic, peeled and chopped
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 5 carrots, chopped
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- Potatoes (optional), peeled and cubed
- 2 zucchinis, cubed
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- half cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup Chardonnay wine
- Half cup heavy cream
These recipe ingredients are fairly easy to source and the cooking process is easy to follow. Don’t forget to use quality ingredients to achieve the best results.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting the recipe, acquire all of the ingredients necessary for this Chicken Vegetable Chardonnay dish. The ingredient list includes chicken breasts or thighs, along with chopped veggies like sweet potatoes, potatoes, celery, zucchini, and more. Additionally, gather the cooking staples such as onions, garlic, and various dried herbs such as oregano and sweet paprika. Lastly, don’t forget to grab that good bottle of white wine- in this case, a nice chardonnay!
Step 2: Season Chicken Thighs or Breasts
Begin prepping your chicken by seasoning with salt, black pepper, and some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat with olive oil, then add in the chicken pieces to cook for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add in chopped onions and garlic to your pan with unsalted butter and let it soften for a few minutes till they are tender but not browned. The aroma will let you know when it is ready! Next, toss in other veggies such as carrots, celery parsnips into the same pot, including potatoes and sweet potatoes. Add your herbs like oregano or thyme along with paprika to give some added earthy flavors.
Step 4: Deglaze The Pan With Chardonnay Wine
Pour half to one cup of chardonnay wine into your vegetable mix which has been sautéing over medium heat just before adding chicken breasts or thighs back to the pan. This will help deglaze the pan and release any bits that have stuck to it after cooking chicken. Add more broth or cooking wine if there’s not enough liquid to cover the chicken and veggies.
Step 5: Cook Until Tender
Lower heat to a simmer and let everything cook together, with lid covered till chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken from pot if necessary once cooked, and keep warm covered tightly in aluminum foil until it is time to serve.
Step 6: Make The Wine Sauce
To make the chardonnay sauce, add heavy cream and more white wine to the vegetable mixtures, stirring occasionally until it is reduced by half. Return cooked chicken back into the pan along with any juices that may have accumulated.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or any herb you have on hand. Keep your sides simple – this will make your creamy chardonnay sauce highlight the flavors of the tender chicken and hearty vegetables. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Vegetable Chardonnay recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
While this Chicken Vegetable Chardonnay recipe is already packed with flavors and textures, there are certainly ways to substitute or add ingredients based on your personal preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Here are a few ideas:
– Protein: Instead of chicken, you could try this recipe with turkey, pork tenderloin, shrimp or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking times and temperature accordingly to ensure that the protein is cooked through.
– Vegetables: The beauty of this recipe is that you can really use whatever vegetables you have on hand. If you don’t like sweet potatoes or parsnips, try using regular potatoes or turnips instead. You could also add bell peppers, green beans or mushrooms for an extra kick of flavors.
– Wine: If you don’t have chardonnay on hand, sauvignon blanc would be a good alternative. It’s crisper than chardonnay but also lighter in body, so it won’t overpower the dish. Other white wines that would work well include pinot grigio or riesling.
– Spice: While this recipe calls for paprika and dried oregano, feel free to omit or substitute these spices with other herbs that you like. For instance, if you’re a fan of thyme or rosemary, those would work nicely as well.
It’s important to note that any substitutions or variations may affect the overall taste and texture of the dish, so be mindful of how each substitution will impact the final result. With that said, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
This chicken vegetable chardonnay recipe is a perfect meal for any day of the week, whether it’s a quick midweek dinner or a weekend family feast. The dish has a rich and creamy flavor that complements the gentle acidity in chardonnay wine, making it an excellent choice to pair with this recipe.
When serving this dish, I would suggest starting off with a fresh green salad to balance the flavors and provide a refreshing side to the creamy chicken. If you’re looking for something heartier, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes that will soak up all the delicious sauce – it’s an absolute treat! Alternatively, you can serve it alongside some boiled or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus.
For those who prefer pasta over potatoes, serving the chicken vegetable chardonnay over spaghetti will make for a comforting and satisfying meal.
As for the wine pairing, I recommend either chardonnay or sauvignon blanc as good bets when reaching for cooking wine. For those who enjoy crisper and full-bodied chardonnays, opting for the chardonnay blanc is ideal. However, if you prefer something lighter and more acidic like sauvignon blanc, then go ahead and give that one a try.
In conclusion, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow – but don’t let that fool you. The creamy texture with sautéed veggies creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. Paired with a smooth glass of white wine, it makes for an exquisite meal fit for even the most discerning of palates.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re a busy person and want to save time, you can make the Chicken Vegetable Chardonnay ahead of the dinner time. In this way, you’ll be sure that it will still taste great when you serve it. The dish can be reheated in the oven or on the stove-top.
To make-ahead, prepare the recipe as per the instructions up to the point where the chicken is fully cooked. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove-top in a saucepan with a little bit of olive oil or butter over low heat until heated through.
To store, let any leftovers cool down completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or for up to 2 weeks in the freezer. If storing in the freezer, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, use a microwave or put it back on the stove-top and gently heat up with some extra white wine or chicken broth (1/4 cup at most) until piping hot.
Although some recipes lose their flavors when stored or reheated, this recipe keeps its flavor well and tastes just as good as freshly made.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best possible results, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when making this Chicken Vegetable Chardonnay recipe.
First, use a heavy-bottomed pot, like a Dutch oven or a braising pan. This will help distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking or burning.
Secondly, make sure to brown the chicken well before adding the vegetable mixture. This will add depth of flavor and help prevent the chicken from becoming dry during the braising process.
Thirdly, if you don’t have chardonnay on hand, sauvignon blanc can be a great substitution in this recipe. However, for best results, avoid cooking wine and opt for a drinking-quality wine instead.
Fourthly, be sure not to overcook the vegetables. The sweet potato and parsnips should be tender but not mushy; aim for a slight bite to them.
Finally, let the dish rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial to achieving maximum deliciousness in every bite.
FAQ
As we come to the FAQ section of this chicken vegetable chardonnay recipe article, let’s take a moment to recall the ingredients and steps involved in making this dish. We have the tender chicken breasts, mixed with vegetables such as carrots, onions, and potatoes. The dish is made even richer and more flavorful by a savory chardonnay wine sauce mixed with butter and heavy cream. It’s easy to see why this recipe can be a hit at any dinner table. Now that we’re familiar with the components, let’s delve deeper and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Is Chardonnay good for cooking chicken?
When it comes to pairing wines with different types of meat, it’s important to consider the characteristics of both the wine and the meat. White wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay usually complement the lighter flavor of white meat such as chicken or turkey breast. On the other hand, red wines like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel tend to match well with the richer flavor of darker meat like duck and other game.
What is a good white wine to cook with chicken?
When it comes to a reliable option for incorporating wine into your cooking, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay are both great choices. While sauvignon blanc is known for its refreshing taste, and chardonnay for its rich flavor, they both work well for adding subtle nuances to dishes without overpowering the other ingredients.
How do you cook with Chardonnay?
Wine is a popular choice for cooking, especially in dishes like stews and tomato sauces. To add depth and flavor to meat dishes, it’s recommended to add the wine after browning the meat and vegetables. Chardonnay is particularly suitable for creamy dishes like gravy or heavy cream sauce.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Chicken Vegetable Chardonnay recipe is a culinary and gustatory delight that will surely satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a touch of elegance. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, versatile, and perfect for various occasions, such as weeknight dinner with your family or intimate gatherings with friends.
With its blend of hearty vegetables, succulent chicken breasts or thighs, and rich chardonnay wine sauce, this dish is a prime example of how food and wine pairing can elevate the dining experience to new heights.
So whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting to learn your way around the kitchen, I strongly recommend that you give this recipe a try. Who knows? It might become your new go-to dish for impressing your guests or simply enjoying a satisfying meal after a long day.
And remember, when choosing the right wine to pair with this recipe, chardonnay is undoubtedly one of the best options out there. Its full-bodied, crisp flavors and refreshing acidity will complement the dish’s richness and complexity, making for a truly unforgettable dining experience. So go ahead and pop open that bottle of chardonnay – you won’t regret it!
Chicken Vegetable Chardonnay Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 -1 1/2 lb chicken half
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 1 head garlic, peeled
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 5 carrots, chopped
- 2 zucchini, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 (3 ounce) packet chicken vegetable soup mix
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 375 ml bottles Chardonnay wine
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, combine chicken,parsnips,celery, potatoes,sweet potato,soup mix,oregano,paprika,chicken stock,wine,salt and pepper.
- Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Boil for approximately 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken and debone.
- Return chicken to pot and simmer for at least 90 more minutes.
- Remember the longer this cooks the better the flavor will be.
- For a variation try adding a couple 8oz cans of chopped tomatoes.