Savory Greek Chicken with Red Wine and Garlic Recipe
Welcome to the world of flavors with this delicious Greek Chicken recipe! If you love bold, rich, and savory dishes with heaps of herbs and spices, then this is the recipe for you. This meal tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours, but you can make it in under an hour. The flavors are intense and will transport you straight to Greece, a land famous for its delicious cuisine.
With fresh herbs like basil and mint, juicy chicken pieces, tangy kalamata olives, and aromatic garlic and wine sauce that seeps through each bite, this juicy Greek Chicken is sure to satisfy your taste buds. And let’s not forget the red wine – adding it to any dish adds richness that can take your meals from good to great.
The best part of this recipe is that it’s a one-pan meal. No need for multiple pots and pans – just throw everything in one skillet, let it simmer for a bit, then bake it in the oven to finish cooking. Not only does this make cooking a breeze and clean-up minimal, but it also enhances the flavor significantly as all the ingredients cook together and meld into one harmonious dish.
So why not dive into this easy-to-make recipe that packs so much deliciousness in every bite? It’s perfect for a family dinner, a date night at home or even meal prepping. Give it a try today and discover how easy it is to bring the flavors of Greece into your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of your usual weeknight dinner routine? Want to add a little Mediterranean flair to your meal time? Look no further than this Greek Chicken with Red Wine and Garlic recipe.
This recipe is the perfect blend of savory and tangy flavors. The dry red wine in the marinade adds a depth of flavor to the chicken that will make your taste buds dance. The garlic adds a pungent kick without overpowering the other ingredients, while the punch of acidity from the red wine vinegar brightens up the dish.
But what sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Whether you’re in the mood for grilled chicken, a tray bake, or even a slow cooker meal, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, it’s easily customizable – substitute chicken breasts for thighs, add kalamata olives for an extra pop of brininess, or switch up the herbs to suit your preferences.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also easy to make. Just marinate the chicken for a few hours (or overnight if you have the time), then cook it any way you please. The marinade itself uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand – olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs.
So why not switch up your dinner routine with this easy Greek Chicken with Red Wine and Garlic recipe? With its flavorful marinade and flexibility in cooking methods, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your rotation.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this savory and juicy Greek Chicken with Red Wine and Garlic Recipe:
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- Salt and black pepper
Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (use thighs, breasts or both)
- Salt and black pepper
Wine Sauce:
- 2 cups dry red wine
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup wine vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil
Important Ingredient Notes:
- Use a good quality dry red wine for the marinade and sauce, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir or Merlot.
- Don’t forget to season the chicken with salt and pepper, both in the marinade and before cooking. It enhances the flavors.
- For a more intense garlic flavor, crush the garlic with a mortar and pestle instead of mincing it.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried ones instead, but reduce the amount by half.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Chicken Marinade
To begin with, we need to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of dry red wine, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the juice of 1 lemon.
Next, add in 6 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh basil and chopped fresh mint. Give everything a good stir until well combined.
Then, season 2 pounds of chicken pieces with salt and pepper before adding them to the marinade. Coat each piece thoroughly with the mixture and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
After marinating the chicken for several hours, preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
Once heated, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Place the chicken pieces onto a sheet pan and allow them to cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Alternatively, you can place the chicken pieces onto a slow cooker or tray bake to cook them.
Step 3: Wine Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, and 1/4 cup of red wine that was used in marinating chicken pieces. Allow this to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it has reduced by half.
Add in about 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of dried basil, stirring all ingredients together constantly. Then stir in about 6 kalamata olives**, pitted and chopped
Let this simmer for another couple of minutes until everything thickens into a delicious wine sauce.
Step 4: Plating Up
In a shallow bowl or plate, place the grilled Greek chicken pieces, and spoon the wine sauce over the top of it. Garnish with fresh basil, mint leaves, or even some chopped kalamata olives.
Serve with your choice of side dishes, such as rice or grilled vegetables. And voila! You got yourself a delicious Greek Chicken with Red Wine and Garlic recipe to share with friends and family.
Substitutions and Variations
While this Greek Chicken with Red Wine and Garlic recipe is already pretty perfect, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken pieces for chunks of firm tofu or sliced eggplant. You can still use the same marinade recipe and method for grilling or baking.
If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount of garlic cloves in the marinade recipe to just one or two instead of three.
For a more tangy flavor profile, swap out the red wine vinegar for white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
You can also mix things up by using different cuts of chicken. Instead of chicken thighs, try using chicken breasts or even drumsticks for a change in texture.
If you don’t have kalamata olives on hand, you can substitute with other varieties of olives such as black or green Olives.
Got fresh oregano on hand? Use it in place or alongside the basil and mint to bring some extra complexity to the marinade recipe.
And if you want to truly make this recipe your own, try experimenting with different add-ins such as sun-dried tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or feta cheese crumbles for some added depth of flavour.
Serving and Pairing
Greek Chicken with Red Wine and Garlic is a delicious and flavorful dish that can be served in any season. This easy Greek chicken recipe is perfect for family dinners and entertaining your guests. The juicy chicken flavored with red wine provides a luxurious dining experience that pairs well with various side dishes.
If you are looking for something light, this recipe goes well with a classic Greek salad, loaded with crispy veggies, feta cheese, fresh herbs, and Kalamata olives. The combination of the juicy chicken and the fresh flavors of salad makes this an excellent summer option.
For colder seasons, consider serving this dish on top of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Roasted root vegetables like carrots, beets or parsnips are perfect as they add sweetness to balance the wine’s dryness while the potatoes provide a great contrast to the savory flavors.
To pair this bold and flavorful dish with the perfect wine, I suggest going back to where it all started: dry red wine. This Greek chicken marinade recipe calls for 2 cups of dry red wine and pairs well with a variety of options including Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. If you prefer a lighter option, Beaujolais or Chianti would also complement this dish perfectly.
In conclusion, this easy Greek chicken recipe is versatile and pairs well with many different side dishes as well as wine varietals. Experiment with different ingredients to find what suits your palate best and enjoy this delicious meal with friends or family alike!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Greek chicken recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining. To make the most of your time, you can prepare the chicken marinade in advance, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. This way, you can quickly and easily toss in the chicken pieces when you’re ready to cook.
If you find yourself with leftovers, this Greek chicken recipe stores well and reheats perfectly. To store, let the chicken cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container and placing it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When it’s time to reheat, use a stovetop or microwave to gently warm through, being careful not to overcook as this could cause the chicken to dry out.
Another great tip for storing leftovers is to repurpose them into new dishes. For example, add leftover Greek chicken pieces to a salad for a tasty and healthy lunch option. You could also use them in a wrap or sandwich for an easy-to-make meal on-the-go.
Overall, this Greek chicken recipe is versatile enough to be served fresh or reheated at a later time, making it perfect for meal planning or last-minute dinner options. Just remember to store them properly and avoid overcooking when reheating to enjoy their full flavor and tender texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure perfect results with this Greek chicken with red wine and garlic recipe, I have some helpful tips and tricks.
Firstly, when marinating the chicken in the red wine garlic marinade, be sure to let it sit for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge. This will allow the flavours to infuse deeply into the meat and result in a more tender and well-seasoned chicken.
When cooking the chicken, it’s important to not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and steaming, rather than achieving that beautiful caramelization on the outside of the chicken. Instead, cook in batches if necessary.
For best grilling results, preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing your chicken on the grill. This will help prevent sticking and make sure you achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Another tip is to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the recipe. The bone adds flavour and helps retain moisture while cooking, while the skin protects the meat from drying out and adds extra crispiness to the final dish.
Lastly, don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper throughout the cooking process. Be sure to taste as you go along and adjust seasoning accordingly.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve perfect results every time with this delicious Greek chicken with red wine and garlic recipe.
Bottom Line
As a food lover and cook, I can confidently say that this Greek Chicken with Red Wine and Garlic recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a delicious meal. The combination of juicy chicken, savory garlic, bold red wine, and fragrant herbs creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
What’s more, this recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. For example, you can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or use different types of olives to create a unique twist on the dish.
So why not spice up your weeknight dinner routine with this easy Greek Chicken recipe? You won’t regret it! Serve it with some grilled vegetables, couscous or rice and a glass of your favorite red wine.
Try out this delightful recipe from the comfort of your home, and discover what makes this recipe one of the most loved dishes around the world. With these perfect results tips, you will never go wrong in making this delicious meal. I guarantee that it will be a hit at your family gatherings or dinner parties.
So fire up your stovetop or grill and make some Greek Chicken with Red Wine and Garlic tonight. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Greek Chicken With Red Wine and Garlic Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2-2 lbs broiler-fryer chicken pieces
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 T. dried basil)
- 1 tablespoon chopped of fresh mint (or 1 t. dried mint leaves)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 -3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (4 3/4 ounce) jar pitted kalamata olives, drained
Instructions
- Place chicken in a shallow glass or plastic dish.
- Mix the next 5 ingredients together; pour over chicken.
- Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
- Brush grill rack with vegetable oil.
- Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat (medium heat).
- Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade).
- Place chicken on grill, skin sides down; grill 5-6 inches from medium heat for 15 minutes.
- Turn chicken, brush with marinade; cover and grill 20-40 minutes longer, brushing occasionally with marinade, until juices run clear.
- Discard any remaining marinade.
- Serve chicken with olives.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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