This Chicken with Red Wine Cream Sauce is a sophisticated yet straightforward dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. The succulent chicken breasts are seared to perfection, creating a crispy golden exterior while remaining tender and juicy inside. The rich red wine cream sauce, infused with shallots, garlic, and fresh thyme, adds depth and complexity, balancing the flavors with its creamy texture and subtle acidity. Perfect for a romantic dinner or an elegant family meal, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in the red wine, stirring to deglaze the skillet and release any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot with your choice of sides.
Enjoy your elegant Chicken with Red Wine Cream Sauce!
