Delicious Wine and Herb Marinated Chicken Recipe
Looking for a delicious and easy chicken recipe to add to your meal rotation? Look no further than this wine and herb marinated chicken dump recipe. It requires only a handful of ingredients, minimal prep time, and can be made ahead of time for a stress-free dinner option.
The key to this recipe’s delicious flavor is the wine and herb marinade. The acidic components of the wine and lemon juice help to tenderize the surface of the meat while infusing it with rich, robust flavors from the garlic, thyme, rosemary, and tarragon. And with options for both white and red wine variations, you can customize the marinade to suit your taste preferences.
As an added bonus, this recipe can be made using either whole chicken breasts or thighs, making it versatile enough to suit any family’s tastes. Grilled, pan-roasted, or baked in the oven – this chicken will always turn out tender, juicy, and packed with delicious flavors.
If you’re looking for a new go-to chicken recipe, give this wine and herb marinated chicken dump recipe a try. It’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll come back to time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of boring and flavorless grilled or roasted chicken dishes? Then, this wine and herb marinated chicken recipe may just become your new favorite dish. Here are just a few reasons why you should give this recipe a try:
1. Bursting with Flavor – This recipe uses a combination of fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, tarragon, garlic, and olive oil along with acidic components like white wine and lemon juice to create the perfect balance of flavors. The herbs infuse into the chicken, leaving it packed with a delicious taste.
2. Versatile – Whether you’re grilling, roasting or baking the chicken, this recipe uses the same base marinade that can be used in different ways to suit your needs.
3. Easy to Prepare – Unlike many other marinated and grilled chicken dishes that require hours of marination time, this recipe only calls for a quick 20-30 minute marinade in the fridge before cooking.
4. Healthier Choice – This recipe uses simple ingredients that are low in calories and fat while also being rich in proteins and essential vitamins and minerals which make it an excellent healthy meal option.
So whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding your family & friends, this wine and herb marinated chicken recipe is guaranteed to impress your guests while providing a deliciously healthy meal choice!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Wine and Herb Marinated Chicken:
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
- Season salt and pepper to taste
This recipe uses a variety of fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and tarragon, which give the chicken a fragrant aroma and an earthy flavor. The marinade also has some acidic components from the wine and lemon juice that help tenderize the surface of the meat.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup white wine, 2 tbsp. red wine vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, and minced 2 garlic cloves.
Add in a handful of your favorite fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and tarragon. Roughly chop these herbs before adding them to the bowl. The amount of herbs you use depends on your personal taste preference. I like to use about 2-3 tablespoons in total.
Finally, add in some salt and pepper to season the mixture. Whisk everything together until it’s well-combined.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) and place them in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal or cover tightly. Toss everything around to make sure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade.
Refrigerate this for at least 1-2 hours or overnight if you have the time.
Step 3: Grill or bake the chicken
When you’re ready to cook the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F for roasting or heat up your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F).
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid.
For grilled chicken, place it on a greased grill grate and grill for around 5-6 minutes per side until it’s cooked through. Timing may vary depending on thickness.
For baked chicken, place it on a lightly greased baking sheet or roasting pan with a wire rack. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 4: Let it rest and serve
Once cooked, remove from heat source and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This will help the juices settle and make the chicken more tender.
Serve with your favorite side dishes or slice it up to top salads or sandwiches. You can also drizzle any remaining wine herb marinade on top of the chicken for more flavor. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this wine and herb marinated chicken recipe is its adjustability. You can use any type of white wine or even red wine if you prefer a deeper flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried ones can be used instead. However, fresh herbs work best in this recipe as they bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
For a different twist, vary the seasoning by adding some paprika, chili flakes or cumin to the marinade to make it spicier. Swap out the chicken breast for chicken thighs if you desire more juiciness and flavor. You could also try using lamb chops or pork tenderloin with the marinade as they would taste delicious too.
If you want to take it up a notch, try grilling the marinated chicken outdoors during summer months. A glass of crisp white wine will pair perfectly with it. If you are looking for a simpler option, bake or pan roast the marinated chicken breasts with sliced lemons on top for that extra zing.
In conclusion, there are infinite ways to tweak and modify this recipe according to your personal preference, so feel free to experiment with various ingredients and methods until you find your perfect blend.
Serving and Pairing
The wine and herb marinated chicken is a hearty dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. During the summer months, grilled vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers complement the taste of the chicken well with their subtle sweetness. A leafy green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can also work alongside the acidity of the wine and lemon juice components in the dish.
If you prefer carbohydrates, then try including roasted potatoes or garlic bread as your side dish to give your meal more texture. The saltiness of the potatoes or garlic bread will provide balance to the acidic components in the wine and lemon juice marinade.
In terms of wine pairing, it is recommended to serve a chilled white wine with this dish. In particular, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc will all complement the herb flavors in the chicken marinade. If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Merlot can bring out the smokiness from grilling or roasting the chicken.
With the savory flavors of fresh rosemary, thyme, and tarragon infused with white wine and olive oil on juicy chicken breasts, this dish brings about an extraordinary experience that would enhance any home-cooked meal or outdoor barbecue.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This wine and herb marinated chicken recipe can definitely be made ahead of time, which makes it a perfect option for meal prep. The marinated chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
If you find yourself with some leftovers, don’t worry! This chicken dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. When reheating, make sure to only heat up the amount you need rather than reheating the entire batch at once.
For best results when reheating, pan searing or baking in the oven will help to maintain the tenderness and juiciness of the chicken. You may want to add some additional olive oil, herbs, or even a little bit of white wine to help keep it moist.
It’s important to note that while this recipe can be frozen, doing so may affect the texture and flavor of the chicken once thawed and reheated. However, if you do freeze leftovers, make sure they’re placed in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Overall, this wine and herb marinated chicken recipe is not only delicious but versatile as well. You can make it ahead of time or store leftovers for future meals without sacrificing taste or quality.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best flavors in this wine and herb marinated chicken recipe, it is important to follow some tips that ensure a perfect outcome. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Marinate the chicken for enough time
For maximum flavor, make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors of the wine and herbs to penetrate deep into the meat.
2. Use fresh herbs
Fresh herbs have a better aroma and flavor than dried ones. Therefore, it is recommended to use fresh thyme, rosemary, and tarragon instead of their dried counterparts.
3. Don’t skip the lemon juice
Adding some fresh lemon juice to the marinade helps to tenderize the meat and also brings out all the other flavors in the recipe.
4. Use a meat thermometer
For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast or thigh; it should read 165°F for safe consumption.
5. Choose high-quality ingredients
For this recipe, use high-quality white wine, olive oil, and fresh herbs to take your dish to another level. Such ingredients provide more depth of flavor.
6. Adjust seasoning accordingly
Depending on your taste preferences, you may want to adjust seasoning accordingly while following the recipe guidelines.
By following these tips, you will enjoy incredibly flavorful marinated grilled or pan-roasted chicken that promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience!
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, let me answer some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this wine and herb marinated chicken dump recipe. Many have tried and loved it, but there are still a few things that need clarifying to make sure you get the best results.
Can you marinate chicken in wine too long?
Marinating meat and poultry is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to your dish. The ideal duration for marinating is between six to twenty-four hours. However, keeping your food longer in the marinade may cause the texture of the meat to become mushy because the marinade can break down the fibers of the meat. It is still safe to keep the food in the marinade for longer than twenty-four hours, but it is best to keep it within two days.
Is it OK to marinate chicken in wine overnight?
To infuse the chicken breast with flavor, mix together a blend of red or white wine, olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Then, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and pour the mixture over it. Store the marinating chicken in the fridge for a minimum of 8 hours or leave it overnight to absorb the flavors deeply.
What does marinating chicken in white wine do?
When it comes to marinades, the addition of acidic elements like wine and lemon juice can have great benefits. These components have the ability to break down the exterior of the meat, which allows the flavors of the marinade to penetrate into the meat. Moreover, the acid assists in retaining the moisture of the meat and keeping it succulent even after grilling or cooking.
Should I dry marinated chicken before cooking?
To ensure a proper sear on your meat while cooking, it is important to begin with a surface that is devoid of any moisture. So, even if you have marinated the meat, make sure to dab it dry before placing it onto the heat. This will not only impart a crunchy texture to your dish but also prevent it from getting steamed instead of seared.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this wine and herb marinated chicken dump recipe is an easy and flavorful way to spice up your chicken dishes. With a simple yet robust combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and white wine, this marinade adds depth and character to the surface meat of your chicken. Plus, the acidic components of the wine and lemon juice help tenderize the chicken while complementing its natural flavors.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it can also be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and preferences. You can swap the white wine for red wine or even omit it altogether for a non-alcoholic version. You can also experiment with different herbs or add in extra ingredients like roasted garlic or chili flakes.
Whether you choose to grill, bake, or pan-roast your chicken, this recipe is sure to impress. And when it comes time to serve, why not pair it with a glass of the same white wine you used in the marinade? The crisp acidity and fruity notes will complement the savory flavors of the chicken perfectly.
So why not give this wine and herb marinated chicken dump recipe a try? It’s an easy, versatile, and delicious way to elevate your everyday chicken dishes.
Wine and Herb Marinated Chicken (Dump) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup white wine
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 1/2-3 lbs chicken
Instructions
- Directions for cooking day:
- combine all ingredients.
- put chicken pieces in a freezer bag.
- pour marinade over the pieces.
- put in freezer.
- directions for serving day:
- completely thaw chicken and marinade.
- cook on grill or bake in oven until done
- throw away marinade.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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