Chicken With Honey-Raisin Sauce For Two
Juicy chicken breasts glazed with a sweet honey-raisin sauce, complemented by vibrant vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect for a cozy, flavorful dinner for two.
Ingredients
- 2 boned chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. clarified butter ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried parsley
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 shallot
- 1/2 tsp. coarse pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Madeira wine ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 red bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots ⓘ
- 1 potato
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. raisins ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. sugar or honey ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saute pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and shallot; add ground pepper and salt.
- Strain ingredients from oil and place chicken breasts in the pan.
- Split the chicken breasts before cooking.
- Brown the chicken for 3 minutes on each side at medium-high heat to seal.
- Add 1/4 cup of Madeira wine and cover for 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken breasts from the pan and set aside.
- Add carrots to the pan and cook until they begin to brown.
- Return garlic and shallot to the pan.
- Add clarified butter to the pan and cook until carrots start to brown.
- Add red bell pepper and cook briefly.
- Add cayenne pepper, then remove vegetables from the pan.
- Add remaining wine, Worcestershire sauce, honey, raisins, oregano, and parsley to the pan.
- Deglaze the pan and let the sauce reduce over a simmer.
- Rice the boiled potato.
- Pour a thin layer of sauce onto a plate.
- Place the cooked chicken breasts in the center of the plate.
- Layer the carrots over the chicken and sprinkle with riced potatoes.
- Pour the sauce over the layered ingredients.
- Serve with a slice of fresh bread and garnish with broccoli.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using fresh herbs instead of dried parsley and oregano. You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. To save time, consider using pre-cooked chicken breasts. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Spiced Rice With Almonds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken on a bed of riced potato for a comforting meal. Accompany with a side salad or steamed broccoli for color and nutrition. A slice of fresh bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce. This dish also pairs well with a glass of Madeira wine to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts until hot, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Honey-Raisin Sauce For Two contains roughly 1532 calories, with 51g protein, 211g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (327% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (208% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is versatile; consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. Rice or couscous can also complement the honey-raisin sauce nicely, adding texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently and combine just before plating to keep the chicken moist and the sauce flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).