Chicken with White Wine: A mouth-watering delicacy
Welcome to my kitchen, where I am excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – Pollo al Vino Bianco, also known as Chicken with White Wine. This classic Italian dish is beloved for its tender chicken, aromatic white wine sauce, and the flavorsome addition of mushrooms, ham, veggies, and herbs.
What makes this dish stand out is the dry white wine used in the preparation that not only elevates the flavors but also lends a subtle fruity tanginess to the sauce. It’s perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party or serving a cozy family dinner. Trust me; it’s too good to pass up.
While the recipe may seem daunting at first glance, it’s super easy to make, and I’ll guide you through every step so that even beginners can create a masterpiece that bursts with flavors.
So, put on your apron and gather all the ingredients we need. Just follow my lead, and you’ll have a mouthwatering and satisfying meal on your plate in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for an impressive and flavorful chicken dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, then this Chicken with White Wine recipe, also known as Pollo al Vino Bianco, is definitely for you. This Italian classic is hearty, succulent, and simply delicious.
For starters, the dry white wine in the sauce gives the chicken a tender and juicy texture while complementing its savory flavor. The addition of onion, garlic cloves, and rosemary further enhances the dish to give it a subtle yet notable aromatic quality that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
The recipe incorporates mushrooms, cooked ham, celery, carrots, and chicken broth to give it even more depth of flavor. The wine sauce it produces serves as the perfect accompaniment to the chicken pieces and can be paired with mashed potatoes or other sides.
What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can swap out the chicken breast or chicken thighs for scaloppine or chicken involtini if you prefer different cuts of meat. Additionally, mushroom sauce can also be added as an alternative option because it adds its unique flavor to the dish.
Overall this dish is one that will impress and leave your family craving for more. It’s an authentic Italian classic that’s easy to prepare and sure to please both you and your guests’ palate. Don’t miss out on trying this fantastic recipe!
Ingredient List
- Roasting chickens: You will need two or three of these to make the dish.
- Flour: Used for coating the chicken pieces before cooking.
- Olive oil and Butter: Used to brown the chicken and vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
- Dry White Wine: A 750 ml bottle is required for the sauce. Use a wine that you would drink, such as a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
- Chicken broth: Used together with wine for the sauce base.
- Onion, Garlic, Carrots, and Celery represent the foundation for most Italian dishes, providing an aromatic base that seasons and flavors the food while cooking.
- Mushrooms and cooked ham are used for additional flavor in the sauce.
- Fresh Rosemary sprigs: They bring fresh forest herb notes to this recipe.
Note: Check out section (5) of this recipe article for substitution options.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let’s get to the fun part – cooking! This recipe is simple yet sophisticated, perfect for a dinner party. There are several steps to follow, but they’re not complicated.
Step 1: Prepping The Chicken
First things first, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then take a roasting chicken and cut into pieces. You can use chicken thighs or chicken breast if you prefer. Make sure to pat each piece dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Coat The Chicken
In a plastic bag, mix 1 cup of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste. Add the chicken pieces and shake well until they are coated.
Step 3: Saute Vegetables
Take a large skillet and heat up 4 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms, diced celery, diced carrots, 1 garlic clove, and 1 onion. Stir occasionally for about five minutes to saute vegetables.
Step 4: Cook The Chicken
Add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet with vegetables and cook until they turn golden brown. It usually takes about three minutes per side.
Step 5: Add Wine And Broth
Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine and 2 cups of chicken broth into the pan. Be mindful of the steam that might emerge when adding these liquids to the hot pan.
Step 6: Bake The Chicken
Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about half an hour. Keep basting the chicken with juices every ten minutes until it’s fully cooked inside.
Step 7: Create The White Wine Sauce
Remove the skillet from the oven and then transfer only the chicken pieces onto a plate or platter. Turn the skillet to medium heat and stir the remaining sauce in your pan until it tightens up a bit.
Step 8: Garnish And Serve
Pour the white wine sauce on top of the chicken pieces while they are still warm. To add some extra flavor, garnish with rosemary, chopped cooked ham, or cilantro.
Serve the Pollo Al Vino Bianco with mashed potatoes or pasta to absorb all of the delicious white wine sauce. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe for Pollo al Vino Bianco calls for specific ingredients such as chicken, white wine, vegetables, and herbs, there are various substitutions and variations that you can try to cater to your taste preferences.
For a healthier version of this dish, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs or remove the skin from the chicken before cooking. If you are looking for a gluten-free option, swap out the flour for a gluten-free alternative such as cornstarch or almond flour.
To make the dish more flavorful, you can add different herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, or basil. If you prefer a spicier taste, you can also include some red chili flakes or cayenne pepper in the recipe.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, simply omit the meat and replace it with mushrooms or cooked tofu. The mushroom sauce variation is also an excellent twist on this dish- instead of using vegetables like celery and carrots, substitute them with finely chopped mushrooms.
Additionally, you can add cooked ham or bacon for a smokey flavor or include some dried cranberries or raisins to make it sweet and savory.
Another option is to serve this dish alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus or zucchini- both work equally well with the flavors of the wine sauce.
The possibilities for substitutions and variations are endless when it comes to this Italian Chicken Bianco recipe- experiment with your favorite ingredients to create your perfect version!
Serving and Pairing
As you take the first bite of this chicken with white wine recipe, you’ll understand that it’s a beautiful dish rife with flavor. The dish serves as an exquisite meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with different sides.
The creamy and velvety texture of mashed potatoes makes it an exceptional side to this chicken. Another complementary side is a garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing; the tangy taste would contrast with the chicken’s savory flavors, creating a scrumptious balance.
If you’re feeling more adventurous with your taste buds, sautéed vegetables in white wine would be a perfect addition to the dish. The mushrooms in the recipe could be used as inspiration to create a more elaborate mushroom sauce or even an umami-packed cream sauce to pour over steamed vegetables or scaloppine.
With such versatile flavors embedded in this recipe, consider pairing it with a dry white wine such as Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay. The bright acidity present in these wines helps cut through the richness of the chicken and balances the buttery flavors.
Make sure to chill your wine beforehand to create an indelible experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to make Pollo Al Vino Bianco ahead of time, you’re in for a treat! This recipe is ideal for preparing beforehand, which means that you can enjoy the flavors and aromas of this dish long after it’s been cooked.
To make-ahead, simply prepare the recipe as directed and let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, store the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
The next step would be reheating, which can be done using either the stove or the oven. If you’re heating on a stove, use low heat to avoid drying out the meat. If reheating it in an oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
You may also freeze this dish after cooking. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months without losing its flavor or texture. To reheat from frozen, place the dish in the refrigerator overnight to thaw, then follow the reheating instructions above.
Pro Tip: Whether reheating or freezing, always store your Pollo Al Vino Bianco with some wine sauce from cooking- it helps keep your chicken moist and adds more flavor.
Having leftovers? You can use them creatively by different variations of chicken dishes like chicken scaloppine, olive garden style creamy mushroom sauce with pollo al vino bianco over mashed potatoes. The Pollo Al Vino Bianco reheats seamlessly with any of your favorite vegetables dishes as sidekicks.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to cook a perfect Pollo al Vino Bianco, keep in mind the following tips.
First, pat dry the chicken pieces before browning them. This will help to create a crisp exterior and seal in the moisture inside. In addition, dust flour on the chicken for an extra crispy crust.
Second, do not overcook the chicken. Overcooking can lead to dry, stringy meat that lacks flavor. To achieve perfectly cooked chicken breasts or thighs, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat.
Third, allow the wine sauce to simmer and reduce slightly before adding the chicken back into the pan. Giving the wine sauce time to cook down will concentrate its flavors and make it less runny.
Fourth, let the chicken rest for at least five minutes before serving. This allows juice to redistribute throughout the meat and results in a more succulent dish.
Fifth, add fresh herbs like rosemary and cilantro towards the end of cooking for maximum flavor impact. These fresh herbs can elevate a good dish into a great one!
Lastly, pairing this dish with mashed potatoes does wonders in complementing its velvety white wine sauce while also providing a creamy texture component. And if you are looking for vegetables that go particularly well with this dish, sautéed mushrooms and wilted greens are perfect options too!
With these tips, your Pollo al Vino Bianco will turn out perfect every time – crispy-skinned, juicy, flavorful and simply irresistible!
FAQ
Now that you have learned how to make this delicious chicken with white wine recipe, it’s time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about it. Here are some useful tips and clarifications that will help you prepare this dish perfectly every time.
What is the best white wine to cook chicken with?
When looking for a cooking wine, it’s best to have a reliable option. Sauvignon blanc and chardonnay are both excellent choices as their unique flavors are not as noticeable when used as ingredients. Sauvignon blanc brings a sharper taste, while chardonnay is more substantial.
Does white wine tenderize chicken?
Wine is a versatile ingredient that has a variety of culinary uses in addition to being enjoyed as a drink. It can be used to add a unique flavor to your dish and also as a marinade to soften meat with its natural acidity. Additionally, it can be utilized as a deglazing agent, a reduced sauce, or a steaming liquid for your culinary creations.
What is pollo al vino?
This is a traditional Spanish dish that features a whole chicken simmered in a creamy sauce, seasoned with rosemary and garnished with cuts of pork belly. It is known as ‘Pollo al Vino.’
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you want to impress your family and friends with a hearty and delicious Italian chicken dish that is easy to make, then you must try this recipe for Pollo al Vino Bianco. With its savory combination of chicken, white wine, mushrooms, ham, and vegetables, flavored with garlic and rosemary, it’s a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary requirements. You could substitute chicken breast for thighs or omit the ham and cheese to make a lighter version. The possibilities are endless.
Lastly, I recommend pairing this dish with mashed potatoes or a side of vegetables and a glass of dry white wine to enhance the flavors of the dish. Trust me; it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget.
So why not impress your dinner guests today with the Pollo al Vino Bianco recipe? Its savory aroma and mouth-watering flavor will leave them begging for seconds. Don’t wait another minute to savor this classic Italian chicken dish.
Chicken With White Wine (Pollo Al Vino Bianco) Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lbs roasting chickens, cut up
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste) or 1 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 2 stalks celery, finely chop
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced (original recipe called for 1 slice ham, chopped so this is an estimate)
- 1/2 lemon, juice of
- 1/2 lb mushroom, sliced
- 1 1/4 cups dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
Instructions
- Dust chicken well with flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and oil in a large pan.
- Add chicken and fry until brown and crisp all over; remove to a plate.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and ham to pan; sauté over low heat until soft but not brown.
- Add lemon juice, mushrooms, wine, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and rosemary; bring to a high simmer.
- Add browned chicken, lower heat and cover; simmer gently for 45 minutes or until chicken is fork tender.