We absolutely love how Chicken Chardonnay brings a touch of sophistication to everyday meals with its creamy wine-infused sauce. Drawing from classic French techniques we’ve adapted for home cooks this dish pairs tender chicken with the bright notes of Chardonnay creating a flavor that’s both comforting and elegant.
It’s one of our go-to recipes for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner as it balances simplicity with gourmet appeal. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just seeking a new twist on poultry we’ll guide you through this easy preparation that promises delicious results every time.
Ingredients
In our Chicken Chardonnay recipe, we gather these essential ingredients to create a luxurious, creamy sauce that perfectly balances the elegance of French-inspired flavors with simple home cooking. We’ve organized them in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for precision.
- Chicken breasts: 4 pieces (about 1.5 pounds total), boneless and skinless—pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness for quick, even cooking.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons—melt this first to build a flavorful base in the pan.
- Garlic cloves: 4 cloves, minced—freshly chopped for a pungent aroma that infuses the dish.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, finely diced—provides a sweet, caramelized foundation for the sauce.
- Fresh mushrooms: 8 ounces (such as cremini or button), sliced—adds an earthy texture and depth to the creamy mixture.
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons—for thickening the sauce, ensuring a silky consistency without lumps.
- Chardonnay wine: 1 cup—select a dry variety for its crisp, fruity notes that elevate the chicken’s savoriness.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup—delivers the rich, velvety creaminess that makes this dish irresistible.
- Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon, leaves stripped from stems—infuses a herbal brightness for a sophisticated finish.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste—season generously at each stage to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped—for a final garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous notes.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients for Chicken Chardonnay, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create this elegant dish, ensuring a flavorful and creamy result every time.
Prep
Before we begin cooking our Chicken Chardonnay, let’s prepare the components for a seamless process. Start by patting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a golden sear. Next, season the chicken generously with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, rubbing it in evenly for enhanced flavor.
We then focus on the vegetables and aromatics:
- Mince 2 cloves of garlic finely to release their pungent aroma.
- Dice 1 medium yellow onion into small, uniform pieces, about ½-inch cubes, for even cooking.
- Slice 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms (such as cremini or button) into ¼-inch thick pieces to maintain texture in the sauce.
- Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves from the stems, as this herb adds a fragrant, earthy note to our creamy wine sauce.
- Measure out 1 cup of Chardonnay wine and 1 cup of heavy cream in separate bowls for quick access during cooking.
This preparation ensures all elements are ready, allowing us to build layers of taste in our Chicken Chardonnay without interruptions.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we move to cooking our Chicken Chardonnay, where the magic of the wine-infused sauce comes alive. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it melts and begins to foam, which takes about 1-2 minutes.
Follow these steps to sear and simmer:
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring juicy, tender meat.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, then add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing a sweet, savory aroma.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden, adding an earthy depth to our sauce.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly for 1 minute to form a roux that thickens the sauce without lumps.
- Pour in the 1 cup of Chardonnay wine, scraping the pan to deglaze and incorporate those flavorful browned bits, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces by half, intensifying its bright, fruity notes.
- Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of heavy cream and chopped fresh thyme, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luxurious, velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors, resulting in a dish that boasts a rich, creamy texture with hints of wine and herbs.
For precise cooking times and temperatures, refer to the table below to achieve optimal results in your Chicken Chardonnay preparation.
| Step | Time (minutes) | Temperature | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sear chicken | 4-5 per side | Medium-high heat | Golden brown exterior |
| Sauté onions/garlic | 2-3 | Medium-high heat | Translucent, aromatic |
| Cook mushrooms | 3-4 | Medium-high heat | Golden, moisture released |
| Simmer wine | 2-3 | Medium heat | Reduced by half |
| Simmer sauce | 4-5 | Gentle simmer | Thick, velvety texture |
| Final cook with chicken | 2-3 | Medium heat | Flavors fully integrated |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Chicken Chardonnay recipe with you, as it’s a simple way to bring elegance to your table. It’s perfect for creating memorable meals that blend rich flavors with ease.
Give it a try and see how it elevates your cooking—it’s sure to become one of our favorites for both casual nights and special occasions. We’re confident you’ll enjoy every creamy bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Chardonnay?
Chicken Chardonnay is a sophisticated yet comforting dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy, wine-infused sauce. It combines classic French techniques with easy home cooking, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal. Ideal for wine lovers and those seeking a new poultry recipe, it delivers rich flavors with minimal effort.
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Chardonnay?
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, unsalted butter, minced garlic, diced yellow onion, sliced mushrooms, all-purpose flour, Chardonnay wine, heavy cream, fresh thyme, salt, black pepper, and parsley for garnish. These ingredients create a luxurious, creamy sauce when used in sequence for precise results.
How do I prepare Chicken Chardonnay?
Start by searing the chicken in butter, then sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms. Make a roux with flour, add Chardonnay and heavy cream to form the sauce, and return the chicken to simmer. Follow the provided table for exact times and temperatures to ensure a perfectly creamy dish.
How long does it take to cook Chicken Chardonnay?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking takes 20-25 minutes total. Searing the chicken and building the sauce is straightforward, making it a quick weeknight option while allowing flavors to meld for optimal taste.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Chardonnay?
Yes, you can swap Chardonnay for another dry white wine, but it may alter the flavor slightly. Use alternatives like chicken thighs for breasts or half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten it up. Always adjust seasoning to taste for the best results.
Is Chicken Chardonnay suitable for beginners?
Absolutely, it’s beginner-friendly with simple steps and common ingredients. The article guides you through prepping and cooking, including a table for times and temperatures, ensuring delicious results even if you’re new to cooking.
How should I store leftovers of Chicken Chardonnay?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or wine to maintain creaminess. Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate when thawed. Always check for freshness before eating.