Poached Chicken Breasts In Wine
Tender poached chicken breasts infused with white wine and herbs, complemented by mushrooms and a light sauce—perfect for elegant, healthy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken between 2 sheets heavy-duty plastic wrap and flatten to 1/4-inch thick; set aside.
- Combine wine, chopped parsley, dried tarragon, salt, and pepper in a large skillet; bring to a boil over high heat.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the skillet; cover and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken to a serving dish; keep warm.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until tender.
- Combine cornstarch and water; stir into the skillet and bring mixture to a boil.
- Boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the wine and seasonings for an hour before cooking. If you don't have Chablis, any dry white wine will work. You can also substitute dried tarragon with fresh tarragon for a more vibrant taste. To enhance the dish, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of garlic to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the poached chicken over a bed of rice or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier option, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poached Chicken Breasts In Wine contains roughly 254 calories, with 30g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (199% of the Daily Value), protein (60% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1058mg per serving (46% 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. They are more flavorful and less likely to dry out during cooking. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Mix it with a little water before adding it to the sauce to avoid clumps. Alternatively, reduce the sauce longer to thicken naturally.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can poach the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy, quick meal when you're ready to eat.
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).