Chicken With Grapes Recipe
I absolutely adore this recipe because it turns simple chicken and grapes into a surprisingly sophisticated dish that’s perfect for impressing friends on a cozy dinner night. The creamy sauce with a hint of thyme and the burst of sweetness from the grapes create a flavor combination that’s both comforting and unique, making it a delightful favorite of mine.
Combining savory and sweet flavors is one of my favorite things to do, and this Chicken with Grapes recipe is an example of that. It’s a relatively straightforward dish, featuring sautéed chicken breasts, juicy seedless grapes, and a sauce made of garlic, onion, cream, and fresh thyme.
(If you’d prefer not to cook with cream, half-and-half works very well, too.) The sauce is seasoned to perfection and delightfully comforting. It’s not a low-carb dish by any means, but it is nourishing and satisfying, a definite plus for a weeknight dinner.
I like to serve it over quinoa for a hearty finish.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts:
High in protein and low in fat, they furnish vital nutrients for muscle development.
Grapes:
Contribute natural sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants for a healthful, healthful touch.
Olive Oil:
Nutritious source of fat, enriches flavor, promotes heart health.
Onion:
Depth and sweetness are added and packed with vitamins C and B6.
Thyme:
The aroma of herbs is rich in vitamin C and helps with digestion.
Heavy Cream:
Offers richness and creaminess, vital for texture and taste.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Both sides of the chicken breasts should be seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the identical skillet, incorporate the diced onion and cook over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and becoming clear.
4. Include the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute or two until your kitchen is filled with a mouthwatering aroma.
5. If you are using it, pour in the white wine, along with the chicken broth. Stir and allow it to gently bubble for about 5 minutes, to reduce it a little.
6. In the skillet, add halved grapes and fresh thyme leaves. Stir to combine.
7. Lower the heat to low and mix in the heavy cream. Permit the sauce to warm thoroughly, but don’t allow it to reach a boil.
8. Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, and pour the delightful creamy grape sauce over their surfaces. Allow them to gently simmer for 5 more minutes, so that the sauce may infuse its splendid flavors into the chicken.
9. Sample the sauce and make any needed adjustments to the seasonings by adding more salt and pepper.
10. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley that has been chopped, and enjoy your Chicken with Grapes!
Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Kitchen knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Plate (for setting aside cooked chicken)
FAQ
- Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will be juicier but may take a smidge longer to cook.
- Q: Is the white wine necessary?A: The optional white wine adds depth to the sauce; however, it can be omitted or replaced with extra chicken broth.
- Q: How should I serve this dish?This dish matches nicely with any of the following:
– rice,
– mashed potatoes, or
– roasted vegetables.You could also serve it with some other side of your choosing, as it is quite versatile.
- Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?Yes, making it up to a day in advance is great; you can count on that. Reheat the sauce gently over low heat to make certain that it keeps its creamy texture.
- Q: What type of grapes should I use?Seedless grapes—red or green, depending on your preference—can be used.
- Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?You may allow it to simmer a little longer to reduce or stir in a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water) if necessary.
Substitutions and Variations
Substituting in seedless grapes allows you to still enjoy the flavor of grapes even if they aren’t your main meal base. You might also opt to substitute in red or green grapes if you prefer them, and you can easily switch out the flavor profile by using dried cranberries instead.
Substitute more chicken broth or apple cider for the white wine to make a non-alcoholic version.
Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream or a blend of milk and a bit of butter for a lighter option.
For a taste that is milder and sweeter, use shallots instead of onions.
To achieve a different herb profile, use fresh rosemary or tarragon instead of using fresh thyme leaves.
Pro Tips
1. Marinate the Chicken: For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice for at least an hour before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with additional depth and moisture.
2. Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken and before adding the onion, deglaze the pan with a small amount of the white wine or chicken broth. This will help lift the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the skillet, adding more depth to your sauce.
3. Use Fresh Thyme: While dried thyme can work, using fresh thyme leaves brings a more vibrant and aromatic flavor to the dish. Gently crush them between your fingers before adding them to release their oils.
4. Adjust Cream Consistency: If the cream sauce is too thick or too thin, adjust consistency by simmering a bit longer to thicken, or adding a splash more broth or cream to thin it out. Aim for a smooth, coating consistency that clings nicely to the chicken.
5. Caramelized Onions: If you have extra time, allow the onions to caramelize slowly instead of just softening them. This will add a sweeter and more complex flavor note to the sauce.
Chicken With Grapes Recipe
My favorite Chicken With Grapes Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Kitchen knife
3. Cutting board
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Plate (for setting aside cooked chicken)
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Both sides of the chicken breasts should be seasoned with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the identical skillet, incorporate the diced onion and cook over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes, stirring frequently until softened and becoming clear.
4. Include the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute or two until your kitchen is filled with a mouthwatering aroma.
5. If you are using it, pour in the white wine, along with the chicken broth. Stir and allow it to gently bubble for about 5 minutes, to reduce it a little.
6. In the skillet, add halved grapes and fresh thyme leaves. Stir to combine.
7. Lower the heat to low and mix in the heavy cream. Permit the sauce to warm thoroughly, but don’t allow it to reach a boil.
8. Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, and pour the delightful creamy grape sauce over their surfaces. Allow them to gently simmer for 5 more minutes, so that the sauce may infuse its splendid flavors into the chicken.
9. Sample the sauce and make any needed adjustments to the seasonings by adding more salt and pepper.
10. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley that has been chopped, and enjoy your Chicken with Grapes!
