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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting it dry and generously seasoning both sides with salt and pepper for optimal flavor development.
- 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.
- Utilize the same skillet to build layers of flavor, sautéing finely chopped shallots until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet, allowing them to release their moisture and develop a deep, caramelized texture.
- 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.
- Construct a luxurious sauce by combining chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme, whisking the ingredients until they create a harmonious blend.
- 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.
- Verify the chicken’s doneness by checking its internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C, typically taking 15-20 minutes of careful simmering.
- Perform a final flavor assessment, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- 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