This Chicken Riesling recipe brings the elegance of French cuisine to your home kitchen. The dish features tender chicken cutlets simmered in a rich sauce made with dry Riesling wine, cream, and savory bacon, creating a comforting and flavorful meal.
The addition of sautéed cremini mushrooms and a hint of Italian seasoning enhances the depth of the sauce, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether served over pasta or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to impress at any dinner table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 4 cutlets
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5–6 strips of bacon, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups dry Riesling wine
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta (optional)
Directions:
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Prepare the Pasta (Optional): Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
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Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown, about 5 minutes.
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Deglaze the Pan: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the Riesling wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Add the Broth and Cream: Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet. Add the crispy bacon. Simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
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Serve: If using, toss the cooked pasta with a little butter and Parmesan cheese. Plate the pasta and top with the chicken and sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
The Story Behind Chicken Riesling
Chicken Riesling is a classic dish inspired by French and German culinary traditions, bringing together the robust flavors of wine and cream with the comfort of tender chicken and savory additions like bacon and mushrooms. It’s a modern take on a timeless recipe often served in European countryside homes and upscale bistros alike. The dish is most closely associated with the Alsace region of France, known for its culinary heritage and its production of high-quality Riesling wine. Riesling, while often thought of as a sweet wine, is incredibly versatile—particularly the dry varietals used in cooking—which helps bring a bright, slightly fruity acidity that balances the richness of the cream sauce.
Why Chicken Riesling is Worth Making
Chicken Riesling is more than just a hearty chicken dinner—it’s a luxurious, yet approachable, dish that turns a simple meal into an occasion. What makes it especially attractive to home cooks is that it’s a one-skillet meal with restaurant-quality results. It pairs the comforting familiarity of pan-seared chicken with the elegance of a wine reduction, adding depth through slowly sautéed mushrooms and smoky bacon. It’s ideal for both casual family dinners and dinner parties when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
The key to its success lies in the balance of flavors. The dry Riesling adds acidity and a subtle fruitiness that cuts through the richness of the cream and bacon, while the mushrooms lend an earthy tone. Each component works together harmoniously to create a well-rounded dish that doesn’t rely on complexity but rather on high-quality ingredients and precise cooking techniques.
Wine in Cooking: The Role of Riesling
Wine has long been a staple in European kitchens, used to deglaze pans, build sauces, and tenderize meats. Riesling, in particular, stands out in this recipe for its versatility. A dry Riesling brings citrusy and floral notes, which brighten the sauce without overpowering the other flavors. Unlike Chardonnay, which can be heavy and oaky, or Sauvignon Blanc, which leans herbaceous, Riesling adds a crisp and aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces and poultry.
If you’re hesitant about cooking with wine, rest assured that most of the alcohol evaporates during the cooking process, leaving behind the nuanced flavors that enhance the overall dish. For this recipe, it’s best to choose a dry or off-dry Riesling to maintain a savory profile rather than veering into sweetness.
Customizing Your Chicken Riesling
One of the best things about Chicken Riesling is how customizable it is. While the traditional recipe includes mushrooms and bacon, you can make several adjustments to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For example, vegetarians might substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely and use more mushrooms for an earthier, meat-free version.
You can also change the type of mushroom—portobello, shiitake, or even oyster mushrooms add different textures and flavors. If you’re avoiding dairy, use a dairy-free cream alternative and a touch of nutritional yeast for added umami. For a lower-fat version, consider swapping out some of the cream for whole milk or a low-fat cream option.
For those who enjoy spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a hint of Dijon mustard can add a little heat and complexity to the sauce. And while the recipe is most often served over pasta, it’s just as delicious with mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up every drop of the sauce.
Pairing Suggestions: Sides and Wine
While Chicken Riesling is already rich and satisfying on its own, the right side dish can elevate the entire meal. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. Roasted or steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccolini are excellent choices that offer a bit of crunch and color to the plate.
For starches, classic mashed potatoes or herbed rice are wonderful pairings that soak up the creamy Riesling sauce. Crusty bread or a rustic baguette also works beautifully—especially for savoring the sauce at the end of your meal.
As for wine pairings, it’s best to continue with the theme of Riesling. Serve the same dry Riesling used in the sauce for a cohesive flavor experience. If you prefer red, opt for something light and fruit-forward like a Pinot Noir, which won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the dish.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The success of Chicken Riesling lies in its technique and flavor layering. Browning the chicken first develops a flavorful crust and caramelization that forms the foundation of the dish. Using bacon not only adds a smoky depth but also provides fat to build the sauce. Deglazing with Riesling ensures that none of the savory bits left in the pan go to waste, while the slow addition of cream brings everything together into a silky, balanced finish.
The result is a dish that tastes complex but is deceptively easy to make. It’s forgiving enough for weeknights yet sophisticated enough for entertaining. The ingredient list is accessible and doesn’t require specialty items, which makes it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, Chicken Riesling stores exceptionally well. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but you can easily revive it by adding a splash of chicken broth or a little more cream when reheating.
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently to re-emulsify the sauce. Avoid using the microwave, as it can cause the cream to separate and the chicken to dry out.
This recipe also freezes well, although the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Chicken Riesling is a dish that brings elegance and flavor to the everyday dinner table. With its creamy, wine-infused sauce, savory bacon, and tender chicken, it’s a recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss. It’s adaptable, freezer-friendly, and sure to impress—whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself.
Whether you’re new to wine-based sauces or a seasoned home chef looking to try something new, Chicken Riesling deserves a spot in your rotation. It’s a celebration of comfort, craftsmanship, and the kind of food that brings people together. Perfect for cozy nights in, yet refined enough for entertaining, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.