Chicken Pinot Noir with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Basil

Chicken Pinot Noir with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Basil is a sophisticated yet approachable dish that brings together tender chicken, earthy wild mushrooms, and the rich, fruity complexity of Pinot Noir wine. Infused with the freshness of basil and a touch of cream, this recipe is a luxurious take on comfort food that’s perfect for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or simply treating yourself to something special.

The deep flavors of the wine reduction complement the savory mushrooms and chicken, creating a sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread. This dish offers a harmonious balance of flavors, blending rustic ingredients with a refined finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sophisticated Flavor: The Pinot Noir wine sauce is rich and complex, perfectly complementing the chicken and mushrooms.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your guests with a dish that feels gourmet but is easy to prepare.
Fresh and Earthy: Wild mushrooms and fresh basil add depth and brightness to the dish.
Versatile Pairings: Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even rice for a complete meal.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your choice of mushrooms or wine.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pinot Noir Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 cups Pinot Noir wine
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for finishing)

For the Mushrooms:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster), cleaned and sliced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Pinot Noir Sauce

1. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Stir in the tomato paste and fresh thyme, cooking for 1 minute to enhance their flavors.
3. Pour in the Pinot Noir wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and release any browned bits.
4. Add the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the liquid by half, about 10–12 minutes, to concentrate the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

1. In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the wild mushrooms and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. Season with smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

1. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the reduced Pinot Noir sauce. Add the sautéed mushrooms, nestling them around the chicken.
2. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to finish the sauce, adding a velvety texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh basil and parsley.
2. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, pasta, or polenta, with extra sauce spooned on top.

Ingredient Background

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a light-to-medium-bodied red wine with fruity and earthy notes, making it an excellent choice for this dish. Its acidity balances the richness of the chicken and mushrooms while adding depth to the sauce.

Wild Mushrooms

Wild mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster add an earthy, umami flavor that complements the wine sauce. These mushrooms also provide texture and visual appeal.

Fresh Basil

Fresh basil brings a bright, aromatic element that cuts through the richness of the dish, adding a fresh and vibrant finish.

Tomato Paste

A small amount of tomato paste adds depth and a subtle sweetness to the sauce, enhancing its overall complexity.

Technique Tips

Perfect Sear: Ensure the chicken is patted dry before dredging to achieve a golden, crispy sear.

Deglazing: Scrape the bottom of the skillet while adding the wine to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.

Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F, maintaining its juiciness.

Balance the Sauce: Taste the sauce before finishing and adjust seasoning or add a touch of sugar if the wine’s acidity is too strong.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

Individual Servings: Plate each chicken breast on a bed of creamy polenta or pasta, drizzled with sauce and topped with mushrooms and basil.

Casserole Style: Arrange the seared chicken in a baking dish, pour the sauce and mushrooms over the top, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes for a hands-off approach.

Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with seared tofu or portobello mushroom caps for a plant-based version.

Additional Tips for Success

High-Quality Wine: Use a Pinot Noir that you would enjoy drinking, as the flavor of the wine significantly impacts the sauce.

Preheat the Skillet: Ensure the skillet is properly heated before adding the chicken to prevent sticking.

Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil and parsley for garnish to enhance both flavor and presentation.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Pinot Noir Sauce: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to the sauce during the final simmer for a richer, creamier finish.

Herbaceous Version: Add rosemary or sage to the sauce for an additional layer of earthy flavor.

White Wine Option: Substitute Pinot Noir with a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a lighter, more delicate sauce.

Extra Veggies: Incorporate baby spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes into the dish for added color and nutrients.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing fresh basil, as it loses its texture and flavor.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Lean Protein: Use skinless chicken thighs or turkey cutlets for a leaner option with robust flavor.

Light Sauce: Reduce butter and skip the cream for a lighter sauce while maintaining flavor.

Lower-Sodium Stock: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels.

More Veggies: Add steamed asparagus, green beans, or zucchini to increase fiber and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Elegant Dinner Party: Serve the dish with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, a side of green beans, and a glass of Pinot Noir for a refined meal.

Weeknight Indulgence: Pair with a simple side salad and crusty bread for a satisfying yet easy dinner.

Romantic Dinner: Plate the chicken with pasta or risotto, dim the lights, and pour two glasses of wine for a memorable date night.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for searing chicken and preparing the sauce evenly.

Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature without drying out.

Wooden Spoon: Perfect for deglazing the skillet and stirring the sauce.

Sharp Knife: Use for slicing mushrooms evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of wine?
   Yes, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon can be substituted for Pinot Noir, though the flavor profile will differ.
2. What if I don’t have fresh basil?
   Substitute with dried basil or fresh parsley, though the flavor may not be as vibrant.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe.
4. What other mushrooms can I use?
   Button or portobello mushrooms are excellent substitutes if wild mushrooms aren’t available.
5. How do I thicken the sauce?
   Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
6. Is this dish kid-friendly?
   The alcohol in the wine cooks off, leaving a rich flavor, but you can use grape juice or chicken stock as a substitute if needed.
7. What can I serve with this dish?
   Creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables are all great options.
8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Substitute butter with olive oil and skip the cream for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Chicken Pinot Noir with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Basil is a dish that perfectly marries sophistication with comfort. The tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich wine sauce create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is elegant.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a special evening, this recipe will impress with its depth of flavor and beautiful presentation. Try it today and savor the delicious harmony of flavors in every bite!

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