Cozy French-Style Chicken Riesling Recipe for Wine Lovers

Nestled in the heart of culinary comfort, this chicken riesling dish whispers stories of french countryside kitchens.

Aromatic herbs and tender meat dance together in a symphony of flavors.

Wine-infused sauces create magical moments around dinner tables.

Bold ingredients merge into a delightful culinary experience that feels both elegant and homey.

Rich cream and delicate seasonings promise a meal that lingers in memory.

Your taste buds will travel through layers of complex, harmonious flavors.

Perfecting this recipe invites you to embrace a delicious adventure that celebrates simple, extraordinary cooking.

What You Need for This Chicken Dish

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean meat as the star of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.

Meat Tips: Choose organic or free-range for better flavor and texture.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create golden sear on chicken, adds depth to the dish.

Fat Tip: Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

• Shallots, Garlic: Bring sweet and sharp flavor base to the sauce, add complexity to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty component that enhances the overall sauce texture and taste.

Vegetable Tip: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms with no dark spots.

• Riesling Wine: Adds light, crisp wine flavor that tenderizes and complements the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth and additional savory notes to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth texture and balances the wine's acidity.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy, sharp undertone that brightens the entire dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing all flavors.
• Fresh Thyme: Brings aromatic, slightly minty herb note to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh, bright garnish and color contrast.

Herb Tip: Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact.

How to Cook Chicken Riesling with Depth

Step 1: Season and Brown Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry
• Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides
• Heat olive oil or butter in large skillet over medium-high heat
• Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes each side until golden brown
• Transfer chicken to separate plate

Step 2: Create Vegetable Base

• Use same skillet
• Add chopped shallots
• Cook shallots until softened
• Incorporate minced garlic
• Add sliced mushrooms
• Sauté until mushrooms become tender

Step 3: Develop Wine Foundation

• Pour Riesling into skillet
• Scrape bottom of pan to release caramelized bits
• Allow wine to simmer and reduce slightly

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

• Introduce chicken broth
• Add heavy cream
• Mix in Dijon mustard
• Sprinkle fresh thyme
• Stir ingredients until well combined

Step 5: Complete Chicken Cooking

• Return seared chicken to skillet
• Lower heat to medium-low
• Cover skillet
• Simmer 15-20 minutes
• Ensure chicken reaches 165F internal temperature

Step 6: Finish and Plate

• Taste sauce
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley
• Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes

Tips for Wine Sauce That Shines

• Master the Perfect Sear: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a dry Riesling with crisp acidity to create a balanced sauce that complements the chicken's richness without overwhelming the dish.
• Prevent Tough Chicken: Cook chicken just until internal temperature reaches 165F, using a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, tender results without overcooking.
• Mushroom Magic: Use fresh cremini or button mushrooms and slice them evenly for consistent texture and optimal flavor absorption in the creamy Riesling sauce.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains the sauce's creamy consistency.

How to Keep Chicken Tender After Reheating

• Store leftover Chicken Riesling in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Pairing Wines and Sides with Chicken Riesling

• Select a crisp, medium-dry Riesling that matches the wine used in cooking, enhancing the dish's delicate flavors and creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Create a creamy side dish with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, gruyère cheese, and herbs that absorb the rich, velvety sauce beautifully.
• Prepare tender-crisp asparagus spears roasted with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest to provide a fresh, green contrast to the chicken's creamy texture.
• Include a rustic slice of artisan sourdough to soak up the luxurious sauce, adding a delightful tangy undertone and satisfying crunch to the meal.

Ingredient Swaps That Still Work

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace Dijon mustard with a certified gluten-free mustard. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream. Use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing vegetables and chicken.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce sauce ingredients to minimize carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms. Increase vegetable quantity and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added depth and complexity.

Questions on Chicken Riesling Cooking

• What is Riesling wine, and why is it used in this recipe?

Riesling is a white wine originating from Germany, known for its crisp and slightly sweet flavor. In this chicken dish, it adds a delicate, fruity acidity that enhances the overall taste and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Can I substitute Riesling with another wine?

Yes, you can use other white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay. However, Riesling provides a unique flavor profile that works best with the recipe’s creamy sauce.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

This chicken Riesling is moderately healthy. It contains lean protein from chicken, and uses vegetables like mushrooms. The cream and butter add richness, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F/74°C. The chicken should look white throughout with no pink areas and have clear juices when cut.

Why Chicken Riesling Deserves a Spot on Your Menu

• Effortlessly transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Riesling wine creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that elevates basic chicken breasts with rich, complex taste profiles without complicated techniques.
• Easily adaptable to serve over multiple sides like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, making it perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
• Streamlined cooking method uses a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and simplifying the entire cooking process for busy home chefs.

Chicken Riesling Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory French chicken riesling brings rustic Alsatian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, creamy sauce and tender poultry. Hearty ingredients and classic techniques promise a delightful meal that transports diners to charming countryside kitchens of France.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds/680 grams)

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) Riesling wine (or another dry white wine)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 8 ounces (225 grams) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry and generously seasoning both sides with salt and pepper for optimal flavor development.
2. Create a golden sear on the chicken by heating olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until a rich brown crust forms. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to build layers of flavor, sautéing finely chopped shallots until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, allowing them to release their moisture and develop a deep, caramelized texture.
5. Elevate the dish’s complexity by deglazing the pan with Riesling wine, carefully scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Construct a luxurious sauce by combining chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme, whisking the ingredients until they create a harmonious blend.
7. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pan to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
8. Verify the chicken’s doneness by checking its internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C, typically taking 15-20 minutes of careful simmering.
9. Perform a final flavor assessment, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
10. Complete the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and serving over your preferred accompaniment such as rice, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Elevate Chicken Flavor by ensuring the meat is completely dry before searing, which guarantees a beautiful golden-brown exterior and locks in the juices.
• Customize Wine Selection by using a dry Riesling for a crisp, acidic profile or an off-dry version for subtle sweetness that complements the creamy sauce.
• Reduce Dairy for Lighter Version by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, creating a lighter yet still luxurious sauce texture.
• Enhance Mushroom Depth by using a mix of wild mushrooms like shiitake or cremini to add complexity and earthy undertones to the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 170mg