Description
Chicken in White Wine Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish combining tender chicken breasts or thighs with a rich, creamy, and aromatic sauce made from dry white wine, garlic, chicken broth, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers a perfect balance of acidity and creaminess, making it an ideal quick weeknight dinner that feels special and comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme and/or parsley), chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with butter and olive oil, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. This locks in the juices for a tender result.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic oils.
- Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol and develop a subtle tang.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Stir in the chicken broth, return the chicken to the pan, and let everything simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Finish with Cream and Herbs: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with chopped fresh thyme or parsley. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly while infusing the chicken with creamy, herbal flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- Choose a quality dry white wine you enjoy drinking for the best sauce flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing; cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure a good golden crust.
- Simmer gently when adding cream to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth sauce.
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t replicate.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken, white wine sauce, creamy chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, healthy comfort food
