There’s something truly enchanting about a dish that embraces both simplicity and elegance, and my Chicken in White Wine is just that. Picture this: a cool evening, the sun dipping low, and the inviting scent of savory bacon and tender chicken wafting through your kitchen. It’s a heartwarming reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
I first stumbled upon this classic recipe while leafing through my grandmother’s old cookbooks, and I knew I had to give it my own twist. This Coq au Vin Blanc not only satisfies my cravings, but it also impresses anyone who joins my table—perfect for those cozy dinners or special occasions.
With tender chicken enveloped in a creamy white wine sauce and bursting with earthy mushrooms, each forkful is a delicious escape from the mundane. And the best part? It’s remarkably easy to whip up, making it the ideal answer to those weeknight “what’s for dinner?” dilemmas. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s perfect for both seasoned chefs and home cooks alike!
Why love Chicken in White Wine?
Irresistible aroma: Just imagine the warm scent of sizzling bacon and savory chicken filling your kitchen.
Quick prep time: With only 5 minutes to prep, it’s perfect for busy weekdays!
Impressive flavor: The combination of white wine, cream, and mushrooms creates a deeply satisfying sauce that will wow your guests.
Elegant comfort food: This dish strikes the perfect balance, making it a delightful option for both weeknight meals and special gatherings.
Easily customizable: You can add your favorite herbs or vegetables to make it uniquely yours. For more ideas, check out my guide on easy weeknight meals.
This Chicken in White Wine promises to take your dining experience to the next level!
Chicken in White Wine Ingredients
• Get ready to savor the flavors!
For the Main Dish
- Olive oil – A splash will help sauté the bacon for that irresistible crispiness.
- Onion – Finely chopped, this will add a sweet, aromatic base to your sauce.
- Bacon/Pancetta – Use 4-5 strips for a smoky depth that beautifully complements the chicken.
- Garlic cloves – Four cloves, thinly sliced, will infuse the dish with robust flavor.
- Chicken pieces – Opt for 8 pieces on the bone (thighs and legs) for juicy tenderness.
- Cremini mushrooms – 250g or 2 cups, halved or whole, to add an earthy richness to the sauce.
For the Sauce
- Dry white wine – 500ml or 2⅓ cups; Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully for this Chicken in White Wine.
- Double/whipping cream – 250ml or 1 cup will add a luxurious, creamy texture that elevates the dish.
- Salt & pepper – To taste, essential for enhancing all the delightful flavors.
- Flat leaf parsley – A handful, chopped, brings freshness and color to your presentation.
Each ingredient plays a special role in crafting this heartwarming dish, inviting you to experience comfort food at its finest!
How to Make Chicken in White Wine
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Cook the Bacon: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chopped bacon or pancetta until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. This will add a rich flavor to your dish.
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Brown the Chicken: Season the 8 chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, brown the chicken in the rendered bacon fat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
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Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Lower the heat and add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Remove both from the skillet and put them on the plate with the chicken and bacon.
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Sear the Mushrooms: Toss the 250g of Cremini mushrooms into the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, until they start to brown. Their earthy flavor will harmonize beautifully with the other ingredients.
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Combine Everything: Return the chicken, onions, garlic, and cooked bacon to the skillet. Pour in the 500ml of dry white wine and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 40 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld.
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Finish with Cream: After 40 minutes, stir in the 250ml of double/whipping cream and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This will give you a luscious sauce to coat the chicken. Before serving, sprinkle with a handful of chopped flat leaf parsley for a fresh finish.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Chicken in White Wine
Fridge: Store any leftover Chicken in White Wine in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to deepen even further!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of cream can revive the sauce’s richness.
Avoid Room Temperature: Keep leftovers at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Tips for the Best Chicken in White Wine
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Searing Technique: Make sure to brown the chicken well; this adds depth of flavor and prevents it from being bland.
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Wine Quality Matters: Using a good quality dry white wine will enhance the sauce’s flavor. Avoid cooking wines, which often contain added salt.
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Cream Last: Always add the cream at the end of cooking. This keeps it from curdling, ensuring a smooth and luxurious sauce.
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Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allow the chicken to simmer gently for 40 minutes. This patience is key for tender and flavorful results.
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Herb Variations: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the dish. This can elevate your Chicken in White Wine experience!
What to Serve with Chicken in White Wine?
Embrace the warmth of your kitchen and elevate your dining experience with these delightful pairings.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness soaks up the luscious sauce beautifully, making each bite a comforting experience.
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Garlic Bread: Crisp and fragrant, it’s perfect for mopping up the velvety white wine sauce while adding an irresistible aromatic crunch.
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Steamed Asparagus: Fresh and vibrant, these light green spears provide a lovely contrast in texture and flavor, enhancing your meal’s elegance.
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Mixed Green Salad: Tossed with a zesty vinaigrette, the salad adds a refreshing crunch and brightness that awakens the palate.
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Sautéed Green Beans: Tender yet crisp, their earthy flavor complements the richness of the chicken, creating a well-rounded plate.
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Chardonnay: Sipping a chilled glass of this white wine mirrors the flavors in your dish, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
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Lemon Tart: This dessert offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart, rounding out your meal with a refreshing finish that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead Options
Planning ahead? This Chicken in White Wine is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can brown the chicken and cook the bacon, onions, and garlic up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store these components in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mushrooms can also be sautéed ahead of time and kept for the same duration. When you’re ready to finish the dish, just return the chicken, bacon, onions, and mushrooms to the pan, add the wine, and simmer for about 40 minutes. Lastly, stir in the cream and simmer for an additional 10 minutes for a just-as-delicious result. This make-ahead approach saves you precious time on busy weeknights, ensuring you can enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort!
Chicken in White Wine Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own with these delightful twists!
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Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or rosemary while cooking for a fragrant lift that enhances each bite.
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Mushroom Medley: Substitute Cremini with Shiitake or Portobello mushrooms for a richer, earthier flavor.
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Vegetarian Style: Swap chicken for hearty vegetables like eggplant and zucchini, still enjoying that creamy sauce.
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Zesty Upgrade: Include lemon zest or a splash of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright, uplifting flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a hint of heat that really warms the soul.
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Wine Alternatives: Use vegetable broth instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version without sacrificing flavor; it’s comforting and delicious.
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Cream Alternatives: For a lighter option, substitute the cream with Greek yogurt, giving it a tangy twist while keeping it rich.
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Bulk it Up: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last minutes of cooking for an extra dose of greens that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Chicken in White Wine Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken pieces for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and tenderness, I recommend using bone-in chicken pieces, like thighs and legs. They stay juicy during cooking and add richness to the dish. If you prefer white meat, you can use breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more quickly.
How should I store leftover Chicken in White Wine?
You can store any leftover Chicken in White Wine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits! Just ensure the dish is cooled to room temperature before sealing it. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat it in a skillet to maintain its creamy sauce.
Can I freeze Chicken in White Wine?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze Chicken in White Wine! Transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of cream to restore its rich consistency.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
If you find your sauce is a bit thinner than you’d like after simmering, no worries! You can easily thicken it. Simply mix 1-2 teaspoons of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually stir it into the sauce while simmering until it thickens to your desired consistency. This tip works wonders and is super easy!
Can I adapt this recipe for special dietary needs?
Very much so! If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version, simply ensure that the wine you use is gluten-free and replace any thickeners with cornstarch. For a lower-fat option, you can substitute the double cream with a lighter version or even a blended oat cream for a dairy-free alternative—it may slightly change the flavor, but still delicious!
Is this dish safe for my pets?
No, it’s best to keep this Chicken in White Wine away from your pets. Ingredients like garlic and onions can be harmful to dogs and cats. If you want to share something with them, consider cooking some plain chicken pieces without the seasoning or sauce.
Savor the Flavor: Chicken in White Wine Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Bacon: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chopped bacon or pancetta until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Brown the Chicken: Season the 8 chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, brown the chicken in the rendered bacon fat for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Lower the heat and add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Sear the Mushrooms: Toss the 250g of Cremini mushrooms into the skillet and cook over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes, until they start to brown.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken, onions, garlic, and cooked bacon to the skillet. Pour in the dry white wine and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 40 minutes.
- Finish with Cream: After 40 minutes, stir in the double/whipping cream and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped flat leaf parsley before serving.