Savor the Flavor: Grilled Wine Chicken Recipe
Welcome to my recipe for Grilled Wine Marinated Chicken Breasts! This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and is perfect for any occasion. From weekday dinners to weekend cookouts, this dish is a simple and delicious addition to any meal.
As a sommelier, I love pairing different types of wine with dishes, and this recipe features a newly refined marinade that truly enhances the flavor of the chicken breasts. The combination of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and both white and red wine vinegar bring out the tender texture of the chicken while also adding complexity to your palate.
Preparing this recipe is quick and easy. This dish can be marinated ahead of time so all you need to do is throw it on the grill when you’re ready to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a big dinner party, this recipe will make sure that everyone leaves full and satisfied.
So let’s get started with this grilled wine-marinated chicken recipe that guarantees to hit all the right notes in terms of flavor and satisfaction!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Grilled Wine Marinated Chicken Breasts recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves grilled chicken. The combination of red wine, olive oil, and herbs creates a rich and bold flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is the quality of the meat. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean protein source that makes this dish healthy and satisfying. Moreover, marinating the chicken beforehand with wine and herbs makes it tender, juicy and full of flavor.
Another reason to love this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use either white or red wine as well as different types of herbs to create your own unique flavor profile. Plus, if you have leftovers, the chicken can be easily turned into a variety of dishes like salads or sandwiches.
And let’s not forget the convenience factor! This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and can be prepped ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend BBQ with family and friends.
Overall, this Grilled Wine Marinated Chicken Breasts recipe offers a tasty, healthy and easy-to-make dish that everyone will enjoy. So why not try it out and see for yourself why it’s one of our all-time favorites?
Ingredient List
Here is a list of all the ingredients you will need for this grilled wine marinated chicken breasts recipe:
For Marinating the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ – 2 pounds)
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2 tbsp. olive oil
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1 tablespoon dried rosemary
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon pepper
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups dry white wine (Perfect Pairing: White Wine)
For the Marinade:
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¼ cup olive oil
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Juice of one lemon
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¼ cup red wine vinegar (Perfect Pairing: Red Wine)
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½ cup dry red wine (Perfect Pairing: Red Wine)
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons honey
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The zest of one orange
Additional Ingredients:
- Vegetable oil for grilling (about 1/4 cup)
These ingredients all work together to make the perfect grilled wine marinated chicken breasts recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Marinated Grilled Chicken Breasts Recipe
Step 1: Make the Wine Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup dry white wine, ½ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons wine vinegar (red or white), 1 tablespoon salt, and 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pat dry the chicken breasts and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place the chicken breast in marinade ensuring it is fully submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 24 hours.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, discard any excess marinade. Grill chicken breasts for 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown markings are formed on each side.
Step 4: Rest before Serving
Allow the grilled chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps them retain their moisture and flavor.
Serve alongside your favorite side dishes such as grilled vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Substitutions and Variations
As much as we love to follow recipes to the letter, we all know that sometimes we just don’t have all the ingredients available. Luckily, this wine-marinated grilled chicken recipe is quite versatile and can accommodate some ingredient substitutions.
First of all, you can switch up the type of wine you use in the marinade. While dry white wine is recommended for the best flavor, you can also try red wine or even a combination of both. If you’re not a fan of wine, you can also use other types of acid like vinegar or lemon juice.
For the herbs and spices, rosemary is key in this recipe but you could also use thyme or oregano instead – or even a combination of your favorite herbs! If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, garlic powder will do the trick too.
If you want to add some sweetness to the marinade, you can mix in some brown sugar or honey. If you prefer a bit more kick to your chicken, soy sauce or barbecue sauce can be great additions.
Finally, if you don’t have chicken breasts on hand, this recipe works just as well with boneless skinless chicken thighs. And if you’re feeling extra creative, experiment with different types of cuisine like turning this into a Greek chicken dish with some crumbled feta cheese and tzatziki sauce, or Italian-inspired with Italian dressing and roasted vegetables.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your substitutions and variations – it’s all about making a dish that suits your taste preferences!
Serving and Pairing
There’s no better meal to impress your family or guests than a platter of perfectly grilled wine-marinated chicken breasts. This dish is juicy, flavorful, and oh-so-tender. The flavors of garlic, rosemary, and orange zest mixed with the dry white wine and olive oil form a cohesive blend with the chicken.
When it comes to serving the marinated grilled chicken breasts, there are so many options. You can cut them into slices and lay them on a bed of greens for a fresh salad. Or you can serve them with some crispy potatoes, roasted vegetables, or pasta salad for a perfectly filling meal.
But what about pairing this deliciousness with wine? I recommend keeping things simple by choosing either a light-bodied white wine or an easy-drinking red wine. A chardonnay or pinot noir would go well if you’re seeking something more traditional. However, if you want to try something new, go for an Italian Chianti or Tempranillo from Spain. And if you’re going for a non-alcoholic pairing option, then soda or iced tea works too.
Whether you’re dining at home or dining out at your favorite restaurant, this wine-marinated grilled chicken recipe is versatile enough to complement any meal situation. So go ahead and indulge in this mouth-watering dish- you won’t regret it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the things I love most about this wine-marinated chicken recipe is how easy it is to make ahead of time. In fact, I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 24 hours, but you can let it marinate for up to 48 hours for even more flavor. This is perfect if you’re planning to entertain guests and want to spend less time cooking and more time socializing.
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it! You can either grill the chicken or bake it in the oven if you prefer. If you are grilling it, I suggest using medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes per side. Whichever method you use, make sure to keep an eye on the chicken so that it doesn’t dry out.
If you have any leftover chicken after serving, don’t worry! It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days. When reheating, I suggest using a microwave or oven on low heat to avoid overcooking or drying out the chicken. It’s best to slice the cold chicken into small pieces and then reheat with a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat for best results.
Now that you know how easy this recipe is to prepare ahead of time and how well it stores, there’s no excuse not to try making this delicious wine-marinated grilled chicken. You won’t regret it!
Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving that perfect grilled wine-marinated chicken breasts can be a bit tricky, but there are some tips I can offer to help you achieve your desired results.
Firstly, do not over marinate the chicken. A lot of people believe that the longer you marinate, the tastier the chicken becomes. However, this is not true because too much time in the marinade makes the chicken tough and unappetizing. Ideally, marinate the chicken breasts for about 2 hours, and if you want a deeper flavor, 4 hours should be enough.
Secondly, ensure that your grill is hot enough before placing the chicken on it. This will allow the exterior of the chicken to be seared quickly and remove any chances of it sticking to the grill grates. Once it’s on, avoid frequent turning or poking with a fork as this will allow for moisture loss from the meat. Instead, use tongs when turning your chicken to prevent its juices and flavors from escaping.
Finally, let your cooked meat rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it. Resting allows the juices in the meat to redistribute evenly throughout the breast resulting in juicier and tender grilled wine-marinated chicken breasts.
By implementing these simple tips and tricks to your recipe technique, you can make sure that perfect grilled wine-marinated chicken breasts come off your grill every time.
FAQ
Before you head to the kitchen to whip up a batch of this irresistible grilled wine marinated chicken breasts recipe, take some time to read through these frequently asked questions. I understand that cooking can be an unpredictable and challenging experience, so I gathered some common questions about the ingredients and steps involved in making this dish. Keep reading to find useful tips and solutions to possible hiccups you may encounter during the process.
Which wine is best for marinating chicken?
I came across a recipe that exceeded my expectations, and I hope it does the same for you. The preparation involves marinating chicken in red wine for a minimum of 2 hours, and up to 24 hours to add more flavor complexity to the dish.
How long should you marinate chicken breasts before grilling?
For optimal flavor, it is recommended to marinate your chicken for a minimum of four hours, or even up to twelve. Prior to grilling, it is important to preheat the grill to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and to clean off any remaining debris from the grates. Once the grill is preheated, place the chicken breasts onto the grates and cover with the lid.
Can you marinate chicken in wine too long?
Marinating meat and poultry for around 6 to 24 hours is the norm in most recipes. While it is permissible to keep the food in the marinade for a longer duration, exceeding two days might result in the marinade breaking down the fibers of the meat, leading to undesirable texture.
What does marinating chicken in white wine do?
When preparing meat for grilling or cooking, marinades are commonly used to enhance its flavor and texture. These marinades contain acidic elements like wine or lemon juice which break down the meat’s surface, allowing seasonings and juices to penetrate it. This process also makes the cells of the meat expand, resulting in a juicier and more succulent dish.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Grilled Wine Marinated Chicken Breast Recipe is a must-try dish for all wine and chicken enthusiasts out there. Its combination of juicy chicken breast, infused with the lovely flavors of wine, garlic, rosemary and citrus zest is truly irresistible.
With the versatility of this recipe, you can substitute the type of wine or even make a non-alcoholic version by substituting the wine with grape juice or apple cider vinegar. It is perfect for any occasion or gathering, from barbecue parties to weeknight family dinners.
So take advantage of this easy and delicious recipe as well as its possible substitutions and variations to create your own unique spin on it. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t regret it!
Grilled Wine Marinated Chicken Breasts Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon crumbled rosemary
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons orange zest, in strips
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Instructions
- In a shallow pan, combine the wine, oil, garlic, rosemary and salt, turning to coat.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, turning the chicken several times.
- Preheat grill to medium. Reserving the marinade, grill the chicken bone side up for 8 minutes.
- Turn the chicken over and brush with the remaining marinade and grill for 7 minutes or until cooked through.