Description
Hearty French chicken riesling delivers classic comfort with tender poultry braised in white wine and creamy sauce. Savory herbs and delicate mushrooms create a memorable dinner that connects you to traditional Alsatian culinary warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs/680g)
Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) Riesling wine (or another dry white wine)
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) 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 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 0.5 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 with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with oil or butter over medium-high temperature, creating a golden-brown exterior on each chicken piece by searing for approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the beautifully caramelized chicken to a separate plate.
- Utilize the same skillet to sauté delicate shallots until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook these aromatic ingredients until the mushrooms release their moisture and become tender.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of Riesling wine, carefully scraping the flavorful browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. Allow the wine to reduce and concentrate its essence for a few minutes.
- Incorporate chicken broth, rich heavy cream, tangy Dijon mustard, and fragrant thyme into the skillet. Whisk the ingredients together, creating a harmonious and creamy sauce.
- Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer, absorbing the luxurious flavors until it reaches a perfect internal temperature of 165F/74C.
- Taste the sauce, adjusting seasonings with additional salt and pepper as desired. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish. Serve the chicken and its decadent sauce alongside your preferred accompaniment like fluffy rice, tender pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear with maximum flavor development.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing food safety.
- Select a dry Riesling wine for balanced acidity and subtle sweetness that complements the chicken’s richness.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, dairy-free alternatives without compromising sauce texture.
- Consider slicing mushrooms thinly to distribute flavor more evenly and create a more delicate sauce consistency.
- Add fresh herbs like tarragon or rosemary for an unexpected flavor twist that elevates the classic Riesling profile.
- Allow sauce to reduce naturally to concentrate flavors and create a more luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 721
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 51 g
- Saturated Fat: 27 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 164 mg