Juicy Red Wine Chicken Recipe: Make Your Dinner Delicious
Greetings fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I have an exciting recipe to share with all of you that will surely add some flair to your chicken dishes. In this article, I will be discussing my Red Wine Chicken Marinade recipe.
Red wine has a rich, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with savory meats like chicken. Not only does it enhance the taste and tenderness of the chicken, but it also adds a touch of sophistication to your meal.
With this marinade recipe, you can elevate your usual grilled, roasted, or BBQ chicken dishes to a whole new level. The marinade consists of a blend of ingredients including garlic cloves, onion, red wine, olive oil or wine vinegar. The final result is an irresistible combination that will leave your taste buds singing with delight.
So if you’re ready to tantalize your senses with the rich and tangy flavors of my Red Wine Chicken Marinade Recipe, read on!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old grilled chicken recipe? If so, then this red wine chicken marinade recipe is just what your taste buds need. Not only will it add a unique and delicious flavor to your chicken, but it’s also very simple to make.
Using red wine as a marinade ingredient provides a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved by using other liquid ingredients. The combination of the dry red wine with garlic, onion, and olive oil creates a complex blend of flavors that will leave your mouth watering for more. The addition of the worcestershire sauce and soy sauce adds a touch of umami to the marinade that complements the red wine perfectly.
Marinating the chicken in this flavorful mixture allows it to soak up all of these delicious flavors. When the marinated chicken is grilled, it develops an irresistible caramelized crust on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. This dish is perfect for elevating any backyard BBQ or dinner party.
Not only does this recipe produce mouthwatering results, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It can be used with different types of chicken cuts like breasts, thighs, drumsticks or wings. You can even use it with other meats like beef or lamb!
So, whether you’re a grill master trying to impress your guests with an amazing grilled chicken marinade recipe or are new to cooking and looking for something easy and delicious to start with – this red wine chicken marinade recipe is for you. Trust me; this recipe will become one of your favorites.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of all the ingredients needed for this red wine chicken marinade recipe:
For the marinade:
- 1 cup dry red wine
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe is best when using a bold and dry red wine, such as Merlot or Syrah. The combination of red wine, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce create a rich and flavorful marinade for the chicken. Don’t forget to season both the marinade and the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. With these simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and easy chicken dish perfect for any occasion.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have the ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this delicious red wine chicken marinade!
Step 1: Making the Marinade
Begin by combining the red wine, olive oil, onion, garlic, and wine vinegar in a large mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 2: Adding Flavors
To add extra flavor to your marinade, mix in some of your favorite ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or even some herbs. Use about 1/4 cup of each ingredient for a full recipe.
Step 3: Marinating the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal tightly. Be sure that each piece of chicken is completely coated with the marinade.
Step 4: Refrigerating the Chicken
Once your chicken has been marinated, place the bag or container in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Grilling or Baking the Chicken
When you’re ready to cook your chicken, preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. Remove your marinated chicken from its container and place it on a baking sheet if you’re baking it. Otherwise, put it straight on the grill grates to get those beautiful grill marks.
Step 6: Cooking Time
Grill or bake your chicken for about 25-30 minutes or until done. Check with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
And that’s it! You now have yourself a perfectly marinated red wine chicken that can be served with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to make some changes to this Red Wine Chicken Marinade Recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations that you can consider.
Firstly, instead of using chicken breasts, you can use other chicken cuts like thighs or wings. These cuts are juicier and perfect for marinating in the red wine marinade.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, try marinating portobello mushrooms or tofu in this marinade for a meaty taste. They both make a great protein-rich substitute.
For the ingredients, you can use white wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar. Also, if you don’t like onion or garlic, you can skip it. However, I recommend keeping at least one of these in the recipe to give it that rich depth of flavor.
If you’re looking for a sweeter marinade, add honey or brown sugar to your marinade recipe. 1-2 tablespoons of honey is usually enough for a mild sweetness.
If you want to add some kick to your chicken, consider adding dried spices such as cumin or chili powder. A touch of smoky flavor could also be achieved by adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
In terms of storage, it’s best to marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion. If you don’t have that much time, at least marinate the chicken for 2 hours before cooking.
Overall, this recipe is quite flexible and adaptable to various tastes and preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods to create your personalized red wine chicken marinade recipe.
Serving and Pairing
Once the chicken has been marinated in this rich and flavorful red wine marinade, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair it with other dishes. One classic way to enjoy wine-marinated grilled chicken is to slice it up and serve it on top of a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley.
If you’re looking for a bit more substance to your meal, consider serving the chicken alongside a colorful salad made from mixed greens, roasted beets, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted sunflower seeds. The acidity of the wine marinade complements the sweetness of the beets and tanginess of the cheese quite nicely.
If you’re craving something heartier, why not try serving the marinated chicken thigh with some roasted vegetables like zucchini spears, eggplant rounds, or bell pepper slices? The juicy tenderness of the meat pairs perfectly with the sweetness of roasted veggies.
For those who prefer more traditional dishes, this red wine marinade can also be used as a base for coq au vin or any other wine-braised chicken thighs. Simply reduce some of the marinating liquid in a saucepan until thickened and then use it as a flavor-packed sauce over roast chicken.
To complete your meal, reach for another glass of red wine that matches the same notes as your marinade ingredients. A dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon would pair flawlessly with this chicken dish. Finally, sit back, relax and savor your skillfully prepared dish!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this red wine chicken marinade recipe is that it can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests. You can start marinating your chicken at least 2 hours before cooking or succumb to temptation and prepare the marinade and chicken the night before for an even more tender and juicy result.
If you choose to marinate overnight, make sure to store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours and a maximum of 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to develop fully and permeate into the meat.
When it’s time to cook, brush off excess marinade from the chicken breasts or thighs before throwing them on the grill. You can also bake or roast them in a sheet pan or an oven-safe dish with some veggies for a complete meal.
In case you have leftovers, this red wine chicken is still delicious when reheated. To reheat, simply place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Bake it in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, which can cause the chicken to dry out.
Another great thing about this recipe is that you can store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This marinade can be reused up to three times if handled correctly; discard if any raw meat comes into contact with it.
In conclusion, this recipe allows you to prepare most of your meal ahead of time without sacrificing flavor or quality. You’ll have perfectly tender and flavorful grilled chicken with little effort on your part—talk about stress-free entertaining!
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your red wine chicken marinade recipe:
1. Marinate your chicken for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
The longer you marinate your chicken, the more flavorful and tender it will become. It is best to marinate your chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
2. Use a dry red wine.
When making the marinade, it is essential to use a dry red wine. Sweet wines will not complement the savory flavors of the marinade, so make sure to choose a dry red wine that complements your chicken recipe.
3. Use fresh ingredients.
Fresh ingredients always produce better results than their canned or processed counterparts. Use fresh garlic and onion when making the marinade for optimal flavor.
4. Do not pre-salt your chicken.
Avoid pre-salting your chicken before marinating it in the wine mixture. Pre-salting can cause the meat to dry out, resulting in tough and undesirably chewy chicken.
5. Use a plastic bag for marinating.
Using a plastic bag is an easy and effective way to coat your chicken evenly with the marinade. Place the chicken in the bag, add the marinade, seal it tightly, and then shake it gently a few times to distribute evenly.
6. Brush off excess marinade before grilling or roasting.
While cooking, brush off excess marinade from your chicken breasts, as this can burn quickly over high heat and ruin your recipe’s taste.
With these tips, you can be confident that you are on track to making a delicious red wine chicken marinade recipe at home. Cheers!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe, I want to address some frequently asked questions that you may have about this Red Wine Chicken Marinade. From the ideal marination time to the type of chicken that works best with this marinade, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into some common questions!
How long can you marinate meat in red wine?
To infuse the flavors of the red wine and achieve the desired tender texture, it is recommended to marinate the steak for a minimum of two hours, but 30 minutes can also be sufficient. However, to maximally benefit from marinating, you can leave it in the marinade for up to eight hours.
Can you marinate chicken in wine too long?
When it comes to marinating meat and poultry, it is suggested to keep it in the mixture for at least six hours up to 24 hours for optimal flavor infusion. While keeping the food in the marinade for longer periods is safe, it is important to note that beyond 48 hours, the marinade can potentially disrupt the texture of the meat, causing it to become soft and less appetizing.
Which wine is best for marinating chicken?
In this flavorful dish, the chicken is infused with the rich flavors of red wine, allowing it to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 24. This preparation method is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Is it OK to marinate chicken in wine overnight?
To enhance the flavor of the chicken, a delicious marinade can be made by mixing wine, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic together in a bowl. The chicken is then placed in a sealed plastic bag and the marinade is poured over it. Next, the bag is closed and the chicken is refrigerated for a minimum of eight hours, but for an even greater result, let it marinate overnight.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this red wine chicken marinade recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the rich and complex flavors of red wine. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with a deep red wine flavor but also tenderizes the meat, making it juicy and succulent. With ingredients such as garlic, onion, red wine, olive oil, and soy sauce, this marinade can transform any cut of chicken into a delicious and sophisticated dish.
But what makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or pan-searing your chicken, this marinade will add a touch of sophistication to any meal. You can serve it alongside some roasted veggies for an easy weeknight dinner or impress your guests at your next BBQ with some wine-marinated grilled chicken.
Moreover, this marinade is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. You only need to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. So, you can start marinating your chicken before work or before going to bed and have a flavorful meal ready when you come back.
In essence, this red wine chicken marinade recipe is everything you want in a dish – easy to make, impressive in taste, and versatile in preparation. So go ahead and give it a try! I promise it won’t disappoint.
Red Wine Chicken Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon grated onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon crushed coriander seed
Instructions
- Place ingredients into a jar, close lid tightly, shake well.
- Marinte chicken or cornish hens 2-4 hours, grill.
- You can use this marinade for roasting or broiling, too.