Savory Chicken Recipe with a Sweet Twist
Dear foodies,
Are you tired of the same old chicken recipes? Looking for something sweet and savory to spice up dinnertime? Look no further than this delicious Chicken with Dates and Wine recipe.
This recipe is a perfect mash-up of flavors, with tender chicken marinated in sweet red wine and caramelized dates. With just the right amount of spices and a touch of saffron, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
So why not give this recipe a try? It’s easy to make and can be adapted to fit your dietary needs. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, once you try this dish, you won’t be disappointed.
Get ready to enjoy a gorgeous main course that will leave your taste buds singing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a food lover and home chef, I know how tough it can be to consistently create tasty and healthy meals that satisfy your taste buds. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Chicken with Dates and Wine, which is guaranteed to be a hit in your kitchen.
Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
First and foremost, the combination of dates and wine creates an amazing flavor profile. The sweet red wine is infused with saffron, cinnamon, and cumin, resulting in a slightly sweet taste that perfectly complements the braised chicken. The dried dates and date honey provide a fruity sweetness that contrasts well with the savory flavors of chicken.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. All it takes is 25 minutes of preparation time before you let it cook low and slow in one large ovenproof skillet. You’ll love how quickly the aromatic wine sauce comes together, creating a mouth-watering aroma that will fill your home.
Thirdly, this recipe is versatile. You can either use chicken breasts or bone-in chicken pieces. You can also substitute olive oil with coconut oil for a different but equally delicious taste. In addition to this, you have an array of pairing options; you can serve it over steamed rice or couscous or pair it with roasted vegetables.
Finally, this dish looks impressive when plated up thus giving it an opportunity to become the centerpiece of your table during family dinners or get-togethers with friends.
In conclusion, you will love this Chicken with Dates and Wine Recipe because it’s quick, easy to prepare, contains delicious combinations of flavors and offers various substitution options without compromising the taste. It’s also versatile enough that you may even experience different cultural tastings depending on your preference – Asiatic (cinnamon), Moorish (saffron), Middle Eastern (dates) all rolled into one recipe – making it an unforgettable dish that you’ll come back to time and time again.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Chicken with Dates and Wine recipe:
- Chicken: You can use chicken pieces or chicken breasts.
- Salt: To season the chicken.
- Brown sugar: For a sweet touch that complements the dates and raisins.
- Olive oil: To cook the chicken and caramelize it.
- Green olives and capers: Add a tangy flavor that balances with the sweetness of the dates.
- Dates: Choose dried dates, which will be tender and create a sauce to coat the chicken beautifully.
- Raisins: Another source of sweetness that adds texture to the dish.
- Cinnamon and cumin: Spices that give depth and warmth to the sauce.
- White wine: A slightly sweet wine that compliments the flavors of the dish. You can also use sweet red wine or rice wine as well.
- Date molasses or honey: To enhance the richness of flavor and add sweetness to the wine sauce.
- Saffron strands: A spice that gives a gorgeous golden color, heady aroma, and a complex flavor to elevate this dish.
- Orange juice and lemon slices: For brightness and acidity that lifts up all other flavors in one pot.
Make sure you have a large ovenproof skillet or pot, as this is where everything will come together in harmony to create a magically delicious main course.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into pieces, making sure to remove the bone and skin. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces or leave it as manageable chicken breasts- your preference. Next, season the chicken pieces generously with salt and brown sugar. This process will not only add an extra layer of taste but also help to caramelize the chicken.
Step 2: Preparing the Marinade
In a large non-reactive bowl, create a marinade by combining red wine, date molasses, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Add in garlic, thyme, cinnamon, cumin, and sliced lemon dates. You may substitute honey or date honey for date molasses depending on what you have available.
Step 3: Marinating the Chicken and Dates
Add your seasoned chicken and sliced lemon into the marinade mixture. Coat each piece of chicken entirely with this sweet mixture. Cover or wrap your bowl with cling wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for at least an hour or up to 12 hours if you’re thinking ahead!
Step 4: Braising Your Chicken and Dates
Heat up a generous amount of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chopped garlic and lightly sauté until fragrant. Add in your marinated chicken- note that this should be done in small batches so that they sear nicely without crowding together. Keep cooking each batch for about 2-3 minutes each side or until slightly browned.
Once all chicken pieces are cooked sufficiently, set them aside on a plate while you work on the sauce- this will be used to braise them in the next step.
Add white wine or red wine vinegar (depending on what is available at your kitchen) into your skillet and let it reduce for 1-2 minutes, until the harsh alcohol taste subsides.
Next, stir in saffron and crushed cinnamon dates. Enjoy the smell of the aromatics! Add chicken broth, diced green olives or capers, and more sliced lemon if you’d like. Stir everything together and then place the chicken back into the skillet.
Step 5: Baking the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the skillet into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25 minutes. The final step is to sprinkle raisins and dried dates evenly over all pieces of chicken then return it to the oven for an additional 10-12 mins, or until fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Serving Your Chicken Dates Dish
Serve by topping the chicken with marinated dates and olives from the sauce. This braised chicken dish goes well with white rice or couscous, making it a great one-pot meal perfect for any dinner party!
Enjoy
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to put your own spin on this recipe or need to make some substitutions based on what you have in your pantry, fear not! There are plenty of ways to customize this chicken with dates and wine recipe.
For the wine, you can experiment with using different varieties such as a white wine or rosé instead of red. If you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, try using a sweet red wine such as Port or a Muscat. Alternatively, if you like your dishes slightly tangy, add a splash of red wine vinegar to the sauce.
If you don’t have date honey or molasses on hand, regular honey will work beautifully as a substitute. You can also use other dried fruits like raisins or apricots in place of the dates. Another option is to use cinnamon sugar to coat the chicken before cooking for a sweet and fragrant twist.
For those who prefer vegetarian options, you can swap out the chicken for roasted vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also try using tofu or tempeh for texture and added protein.
Lastly, consider adding some flavorful twists to the dish by mixing in orange juice, lemon slices or green olives with the dates and chicken. This would give it an even tangier taste that can harmonize strongly with the savory taste of chicken.
With these substitutions and variations, there are many delicious ways to make this chicken with dates and wine recipe fit your personal taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve prepared this chicken with dates and wine recipe, the next step is figuring out how to serve and pair it. The combination of savory chicken, sweet dates, and slightly tangy olives pairs well with a range of different dishes.
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish, try serving the chicken with a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Another option is roasted vegetables such as carrots or butternut squash, which bring out the sweetness in the dish.
If you prefer heartier sides, consider serving the chicken with couscous or rice pilaf. These sides absorb the rich flavors of the wine sauce and complement the stewed chicken nicely.
When it comes to pairing wines, opt for a light red such as a Chianti or Zinfandel. If you used a sweet red wine in your recipe, sip on more of that same wine during your meal as it pairs very nicely with dates.
Alternatively, try pairing with a white wine like a Riesling or Chenin Blanc for a lighter option that complements the dish’s bright flavors. Avoid full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon as they can overpower the dish.
Overall, this chicken with dates and wine recipe is versatile enough to complement several flavor profiles. Play around with different sides and wines until you find your perfect match!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This chicken with dates and wine recipe is perfect for making ahead of time, storing, and reheating. The flavors tend to meld together even more when the dish is stored for a few days. If you plan on serving it later, allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag and store in your refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat this dish, place it in an oven-safe dish and heat in a 350-degree oven until warmed through. Cover with aluminum foil if it starts to dry out.
You can also reheat this recipe on the stove-top. Heat a little olive oil in a saucepan and add the chicken with dates and wine mixture. Cook over medium heat stirring occasionally until heated through.
If you want to freeze this recipe, divide into individual containers or freezer bags once cooled, then freeze for up to three months. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as instructed above.
When you’re ready to serve, make sure to sprinkle some fresh herbs on top of your dish for that final touch. I love garnishing this dish parsley which provides both flavor and color contrast. You can also serve alongside some crusty bread or cauliflower rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best possible results while making Chicken with Dates and Wine, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First of all, it’s essential to use a large ovenproof skillet for this recipe. Make sure you choose one that is big enough to hold all the chicken pieces in a single layer.
When roasting the chicken, you can baste it with the sauce every 10-15 minutes to ensure that it remains moist and tender. Additionally, if you want the chicken to have a more caramelized appearance, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes after it finishes cooking.
Another important tip is to be mindful of the amount of salt that you add to this dish. The olives and capers already have a salty flavor, so be sure to taste the sauce before seasoning it with additional salt. If you do need to add more salt, do so sparingly.
If you want to create a slightly sweeter version of this recipe, try substituting white wine for sweet red wine. You can also add a tablespoon or two of honey or date honey (known as “silan”) to the sauce. This will give the dish a touch of sweetness without making it overly sugary.
Finally, if you’re making this dish for a special occasion like Rosh Hashanah or a dinner party, feel free to garnish it with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This will give the dish an added burst of flavor and make it look even more appetizing on the plate.
With these tips in mind, your Chicken with Dates and Wine will turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
I hope this recipe has sparked your taste buds and inspires you to create a delicious and unique meal using dates and wine. The sweetness of the dates combined with the complexity of the wine creates a beautiful balance that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Whether you choose to follow the recipe as written, or add your own personal touch, incorporating these flavors into your cooking will undoubtedly add an extra layer of richness and depth to any dish. So go ahead and treat yourself to a slightly sweet yet savory meal that is sure to impress.
In conclusion, don’t be afraid to experiment with new flavors and ingredients in the kitchen. Who knows, you might just discover your new go-to dish that will wow your friends and family at any gathering. So grab a glass of your favorite wine, put on some good music, and enjoy the experience of cooking something truly special.
Chicken with Dates and Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 1 cup sweet red wine
- 1/3 cup date honey or 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons date spread
- 100 g dried dates
- 100 g almonds
- 100 g raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to medium-high.
- Clean and dry the chicken.
- Marinate in the red wine for up to 2 hours.
- Mix the silan with the date spread.
- Pit the dried dates.
- Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes.
- Mix the dried dates and raisins with the almonds.
- Place the chicken pieces in a baking pan.
- Spread the date honey mixture all over and under the pieces.
- Make sure the mixture penetrates the pockets between the chicken and its skin.
- Toss the fruit/almond mixture over the chicken.
- Pour on the leftover wine marinade.
- Place the chicken in the oven.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, then turn the pieces over.
- Continue baking until the chicken is ready and golden, approximately 45 minutes.