Red Wine with Chicken?

Question

I'm new to cooking with wine. We have some dry red wine--it's not expensive but it's not cheap. Is it a good match to cook with boneless skinless chicken breasts? Do you have any ideas? I have used Marsala but was thinking maybe I'd try what we have on hand. Also if you have any tips on cooking with wine/alcohol, it would be greatly appreciated! Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

Wine "rules" are more snobbism that reality. Modern wine lovers say that you should drink whatever you like that tastes good to you with the food.

If you are using a milder meat like chicken or veal, you need a more subtle red that you would want with red meats. Avoid the heavier flavors like Merlot unless this is really all you enjoy.

Cooking with chicken and wine is classic. See any coq au vin recipe for possibly the most famous version of this. Red wine is also good in tomato-based sauces. I use a red wine in my chicken cacciatore.

Another good use of wine with a simple grilled or pan sauteed chicken breast is a red wine reduction. Cook wine until reduced by at least one half. You can use as is or add herbs or a bit of real butter. A really pretty serving method is using a white cheddar or veloute sauce with a drizzle of a red wine reduction as a ganish.

Answer 2

Coq au Vin is a classic french dish made with dry red wine. You could make an easy version with chicken breasts.

In a large covered skillet over medium heat
fry 3 strips of bacon, crumble bacon and set aside
coat 2 chicken breasts with flour and saute to brown in bacon fat*
return bacon
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
2 cups cut assorted potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, onion
1 mashed clove garlic
1/2 tsp thyme
1 bay leaf

Cover and simmer 30- 45 minutes till chicken is cooked through and vegetables are soft.

*if you avoid bacon, use 2Tbsp olive oil
If you need more, saute chicken, increase quantities and transfer everything to a large baking dish. Bake covered 350F until done apx 45 minutes.

Answer 3

hi....now I just made this recipe called "Parmentier-style Turkey Hash" from Wolfgang Puck. Don't let that scare you though, it was an easy recipe. I am sure you could substitute your chicken for the turkey and it calls specifically for dry red wine. And we thought it was very good. The only thing is it is topped with mashed potatoes (I bet you could use instant), it was kind of a pot pie topped with mashies. It was in our St Paul Paper but if you would like to try it, email me and I will gladly send it.
As for cooking with alcohol, just make sure you don't use a high flame for safety's sake. And wine is good in so many things, don't be scared to use it! I don't like to drink it but I love to cook with it! Happy Holidays!

Answer 4

you can totally use red wine with chicken. you just need to be sure your chicken is made hearty with a red sauce of some kind. Try chicken caccitore. food network has a lot of great recipes.

cooking with wine just adds an extra added layer of flavor to the food.

Answer 5

Hawaiian Chicken (grilled)

My ex friend use to work as a chef in a small town country club and this was one of the most requested recipes. It became one of my favorite dishes.
This will be the rite chicken meal, with that wine.
2-4 servings 1 hour 20 min prep
Change to: servings US Metric
4 (4 ounce) chicken breasts, boneless
1/2 cup cooking sherry
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
8 large pineapple rings
1 (6 ounce) box Rice-A-Roni, fried rice
1 (16 ounce) package frozen frozen broccoli florets
1 (2 ounce) package hollandaise sauce mix

Not the one? See other Hawaiian Chicken (grilled) Recipes
< 60 mins One-Dish Meal
Chicken Breasts One-Dish Meal
Dinner Party One-Dish Meal
Place chicken breast in a glass bowl; set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine cooking sherry, pineapple juice, brown sugar and soy sauce, mix well.
Pour over chicken and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours up to 48 hours.
Before cooking chicken, get rice, broccoli and sauce ready.
Make rice according to directions. Cook broccoli according to directions. Make sauce according to directions. Keep warm.
Grill chicken over medium heat until cooked through.
Grill pineapple slices for garnish.
When ready to serve, service rice first, then place chicken breast on top of rice. Place broccoli on chicken and over rice. Cover with hollandaise sauce. Place pineapple on side of place.
Serve with rolls and your favorite wine!
*You can use Uncle Ben's wild rice or whatever you perfer.
**You can steam a head of fresh broccoli if you perfer
***You can use any kind of hollandaise sauce that you perfer.

Answer 6

Web search: red wine cooking recipe. I just did. Lots of recipes. you can do the another search with white wine and beer. good luck

Answer 7

chicken marsala is a good recipe to use red wine

Answer 8

Wine State Of Mind :)

Answer 9

it sounds really fancy and romantic cooking with wine. i've always wanted to try it. check out www.recipezaar.com or www.allrecipes.com.
p.s. i think red wine goes GREAT with chicken breasts..enjoy.

Answer 10

Go with "onenonblo's" recipe for Coq au Vin, the dish is a classic and delicious. It was a favorite in a restaurant I worked in years ago.