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### Perfecting Your Chicken and Red Wine Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction to Chicken and Red Wine Sauce
Chicken and red wine sauce is a classic dish that combines tender chicken breasts with rich flavors from red wine, onions, garlic, and herbs. This recipe will guide you through the process of creating this delightful meal.
#### Ingredients Needed
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup red wine (preferably a full-bodied variety like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Fresh thyme and rosemary (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or flour
#### Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken and Red Wine Sauce
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. **Pound the Chicken:** Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on your work surface, place one chicken breast on it, and gently pound with a meat mallet until it's about 1/2 inch thick.
2. **Season the Chicken:** Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper.
**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**
1. **Preheat Your Pan:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan, skin side down if you have it (it will help with browning). Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
3. **Remove from Pan:** Place the cooked chicken on a plate.
**Step 3: Make the Sauce**
1. **Add Onions and Garlic:** In the same pan, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
2. **Deglaze the Pan:** Pour in the red wine and let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
**Step 4: Combine Ingredients for Sauce**
1. **Add Broth and Herbs:** Stir in chicken broth, thyme (if using), and rosemary (if using).
2. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly.
3. **Thicken the Sauce:** Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl, then stir this slurry into the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
**Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce**
1. **Return Chicken to Pan:** Place the cooked chicken back into the pan.
2. **Simmer Together:** Cover and simmer gently for about 3-4 more minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the sauce flavors.
#### Tips for Perfecting Your Dish
- Choose a full-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to enhance the depth of flavor.
- Don’t rush the deglazing process; this step is crucial for developing those rich, savory flavors.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of butter at the end.
#### Conclusion
Chicken and red wine sauce is a versatile and flavorful dish that's perfect for special occasions or as an elegant weeknight meal. By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to create a delicious, memorable dinner that will impress your guests. Enjoy crafting this classic dish!
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