Savory Chicken Veronique with Grapes and Mushrooms
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Savory Chicken Veronique, a quick and healthy dish that combines succulent chicken breasts sautéed with aromatic garlic and earthy mushrooms. This classic French-inspired recipe features a luscious white wine sauce enhanced with sweet seedless grapes, creating a unique blend of savory and sweet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish pairs well with rice or noodles and can be elevated with your favorite side salad, making it both a satisfying and nutritious choice for any meal. Enjoy a gourmet experience in just minutes!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (Use 2 tablespoons if the pan is not non-stick)
boneless chicken breasts
4 (Halved)
garlic cloves
2 (Finely chopped)
mushrooms
150 g (Chopped)
sugar
2 tablespoons (N/A)
white wine
1 cup (N/A)
chicken stock
1 cup (N/A)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (N/A)
seedless grapes
1 1/2 cups (N/A)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
2. Season the halved boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then carefully place them in the pan. Sauté for about 3 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
3
3. Flip the chicken breasts and add the finely chopped garlic and chopped mushrooms to the pan. Continue to sauté for an additional 3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the mushrooms are tender.
4
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken, garlic, and mushrooms from the skillet. Keep the chicken warm by covering it, and pour off any excess oil.
5
5. Now, add the sugar and half of the white wine to the skillet, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar and capture the flavors left in the pan.
6
6. Pour in the remaining wine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half, intensifying the flavor.
7
7. In a separate bowl, mix the chicken stock with the cornstarch, whisking until smooth. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the wine in the skillet, simmering for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
8
8. Return the chicken, garlic, and mushrooms to the skillet, immersing them in the delightful wine sauce.
9
9. Gently fold in the seedless grapes and simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing everything to meld together and the grapes to soften slightly and release their juices.
10
10. Serve hot over your choice of rice or noodles, alongside your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Chicken Veronique?
Savory Chicken Veronique is a classic French-inspired dish featuring sautéed chicken breasts served in a luscious white wine sauce with sweet seedless grapes and earthy mushrooms.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless chicken breasts, which should be halved before cooking.
What type of grapes should I use?
You should use 1 1/2 cups of seedless grapes; both green and red varieties work well.
What can I serve with Chicken Veronique?
This dish pairs excellently with rice, noodles, or a fresh side salad.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed as a quick weeknight meal that can be prepared in just a few minutes of active cooking time.
Do I need a non-stick skillet?
While a large non-stick skillet is recommended, you can use a regular pan by increasing the olive oil to 2 tablespoons.
How long should I sauté the chicken?
Sauté the chicken for about 3 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and sauté for another 3 minutes with the garlic and mushrooms.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifies 150g of chopped mushrooms; button or cremini mushrooms are great choices for an earthy flavor.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch is mixed with chicken stock to create a slurry that thickens the white wine sauce.
Can I substitute the white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken stock and a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar for acidity.
Why is sugar added to the sauce?
A small amount of sugar (2 tablespoons) is used to balance the acidity of the wine and enhance the sweetness of the grapes.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, low-fat recipe that uses lean protein and fresh fruit and vegetables.
How do I reduce the wine sauce?
Simmer the wine in the skillet for about 5 minutes until the liquid has reduced by half to intensify its flavor.
When do I add the grapes?
Gently fold in the seedless grapes at the very end and simmer for 2 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
How do I keep the chicken warm while making the sauce?
Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and cover it with foil or a lid to retain heat while you prepare the reduction and sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but be aware that boneless thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time than breasts.
What color of wine is best for Chicken Veronique?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is typically used for this French-style sauce.
Is this a one-pan dish?
Yes, the entire dish, including the sauce and sautéing, is prepared in a single large skillet.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The 2 garlic cloves should be finely chopped before being added to the pan.
Does the sauce contain dairy?
No, this specific version of the sauce uses a wine and chicken stock base thickened with cornstarch rather than cream.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chicken stock.
Can I use frozen grapes?
Fresh grapes are recommended for the best texture, as frozen grapes may become too mushy when heated.
What is the origin of this recipe style?
This recipe is inspired by French cuisine, specifically the 'Veronique' style which denotes the use of grapes.
What if I don't have cornstarch?
You can use a small amount of flour as a thickener, though you may need to cook it slightly longer to remove the raw flour taste.
Should I season the chicken before cooking?
Yes, you should season the halved chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet.
Can I use red wine instead of white?
While you can, it will significantly change the flavor profile and the aesthetic of the traditional light 'Veronique' sauce.
How do I ensure the mushrooms are tender?
Sauté them with the garlic and chicken for at least 3 minutes until they release their moisture and become soft.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid crowding the pan and ensuring a good golden crust.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator and the flavors often meld together even better the next day.