Recreate the Cheesecake Factory classic at home! This dish features juicy chicken thighs simmered in a silky, dry Riesling sauce with crispy pancetta, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic onions. It balances savory depth with the bright acidity of the wine for a restaurant-quality finish.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for Chicken Riesling
- Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pro Tips for Success
- Serving Suggestions
- Conclusion
Ingredients for Chicken Riesling
This elegant, restaurant-inspired recipe yields 4 servings:
Protein
- Chicken thighs: 8 pieces (bone-in or boneless)
- Pancetta: 125 g (sliced into thin strips)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- Mushrooms: 250 g (sliced)
- Medium onions: 2 (sliced)
- Garlic cloves: 2 (thinly sliced)
Liquid Base
- Dry Riesling Wine: 500 ml (approx. 3/4 bottle)
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
Fats & Seasoning
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Salt, Black pepper, and Fresh parsley: To taste
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Pancetta
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and pancetta for 2–3 minutes until the pancetta begins to crisp and the fat renders.
Step 2: Cook Onions and Mushrooms
Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and have developed a light golden-brown color.
Step 3: Simmer with Riesling
Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then nestle the thighs into the skillet. Pour in the Riesling wine. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, turning the chicken once halfway through to ensure it absorbs the wine flavor.
Step 4: Add Cream
Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly and the colors meld together.
Step 5: Bake to Finish
Transfer the entire contents of the skillet to a baking dish. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes. This final step ensures the chicken is tender and cooked through while the top gets beautifully golden. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Wine: Strictly use a Dry Riesling. A sweet Riesling will make the dish too sugary. The acidity of a dry wine is essential to cut through the richness of the heavy cream and pancetta.
- The “Fond” Matters: Those brown bits at the bottom of the pan after sautéing the pancetta are flavor gold. The wine will deglaze the pan and incorporate that savory depth into the sauce.
- Safe Internal Temp: Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
Serving Suggestions
- Starch: Serve over buttered egg noodles or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the luxurious sauce.
- Greens: A side of steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach provides a fresh contrast to the creamy reduction.
- Bread: Serve with a crusty French baguette to “mop up” the remaining sauce from the plate.
Chicken Riesling
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to **$350^{circ}text{F}$** ($175^{circ}text{C}$). In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and pancetta for $2text{–}3text{ minutes}$ until the pancetta begins to crisp and the fat renders.
- Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for $5text{–}7text{ minutes}$, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and have developed a light golden-brown color.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then nestle the thighs into the skillet. Pour in the Riesling wine. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer **uncovered for $20text{ minutes}$**, turning the chicken once halfway through to ensure it absorbs the wine flavor.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Continue to simmer for another $5text{ minutes}$ until the sauce begins to thicken slightly and the colors meld together.
- Transfer the entire contents of the skillet to a baking dish. Bake **uncovered for $15text{ minutes}$**. This final step ensures the chicken is tender and cooked through while the top gets beautifully golden. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Conclusion
The Chicken Riesling is a sophisticated yet accessible meal that brings the “fancy” feel of a restaurant dinner to your own dining table. It is the perfect choice for a weekend dinner party or a special night in.
Would you like me to find a recipe for a light Lemon Sorbet or Citrus Panna Cotta to serve as a refreshing dessert after this meal?
