Chicken and Red Wine Sauce Recipe

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Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it becomes tender and aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Place the chicken breast halves in the skillet. Cook for approximately 10 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches at least 165F (74C) in the center.
3. Once the chicken is cooked through, drain any excess oil from the skillet.
4. Sprinkle the chicken with paprika and brown sugar, evenly coating each piece.
5. Pour the red wine around the chicken, ensuring the chicken is partially submerged in the liquid.
6. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, baste the chicken with the wine sauce occasionally to keep it moist and flavorful.
7. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Note

You can also use one whole chicken, cut into pieces, or 3 pounds of your favorite chicken parts for this dish.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1/12th of recipe):

Nutrition Facts	Amount per Serving
Calories	214
Total Fat	4g (4%)
Saturated Fat	1g (4%)
Cholesterol	59mg (20%)
Sodium	248mg (11%)
Total Carbohydrate	19g (7%)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1%)
Total Sugars	18g
Protein	22g (44%)
Vitamin C	1mg (1%)
Calcium	29mg (2%)
Iron	1mg (6%)
Potassium	208mg (4%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This Chicken and Red Wine Sauce recipe is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory red wine sauce. The dish is simple yet elegant, making it a great option for both everyday meals and special occasions.

History of the Dish

The combination of poultry and wine has a long history in European cuisine, with many variations of chicken cooked in wine across France, Italy, and Spain. The exact origin of this specific "Chicken and Red Wine Sauce" is unclear, but it likely stems from traditional French or Mediterranean recipes where wine is used to deglaze the pan and enhance the flavor of meats. The use of red wine, in particular, adds a depth and richness to the sauce, making it an ideal pairing for the mild flavor of chicken.

Regional Variations

Though this recipe is commonly associated with French or Mediterranean cuisine, it can be found in various forms in different regions. For example, in Provence, France, chicken cooked with herbs and red wine is a classic. In Italy, a similar dish is known as "Pollo al Vino Rosso," where the chicken is simmered in red wine and often served with vegetables like onions, carrots, and mushrooms. The sweetness of the sauce in this recipe, created by the addition of brown sugar, is a unique twist that adds a caramelized flavor to the dish.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While there are many recipes that feature chicken cooked in wine, this version stands out due to its use of brown sugar and paprika. The sweetness from the brown sugar balances the acidity of the red wine, creating a unique sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet. This is in contrast to more traditional recipes like "Coq au Vin," a classic French dish, where the wine is used more as a marinade and does not have the same sweet elements. Additionally, the use of paprika gives the dish a slight smoky flavor, differentiating it from other wine-based chicken dishes.

Where is this Dish Typically Served?

Chicken with red wine sauce is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings. It is often found in casual family meals as well as elegant dinner parties. The dish pairs well with side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, which soak up the flavorful sauce. In restaurants, this dish may be served with seasonal vegetables or a light salad. The use of red wine also makes it a great option for pairing with a glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Interesting Facts

• Red wine has been used in cooking for centuries, believed to have originated in ancient Greece and Rome. It was initially used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
• One of the reasons wine is added to dishes like this is that alcohol helps to extract fat-soluble flavors from meat, creating a deeper and more complex sauce.
• In some variations of this recipe, the sauce can be thickened by reducing the wine for longer, creating a syrupy consistency that adds even more intensity to the flavors.

Conclusion

Chicken and Red Wine Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the richness of red wine with the savory flavors of chicken. Whether you're cooking it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and simplicity. Give it a try, and dont forget to experiment with the sweetness and seasoning to tailor it to your taste.

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