Name: Chicken Pinot Noir with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Basil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs stay juicier)); 8 oz wild mushrooms (sliced (cremini, shiitake, or porcini)); ½ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped); 2 cups Pinot Noir wine (use a wine you'd drink); 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for searing and sautéing); 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 1 cup chicken stock; Salt and black pepper to taste

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The first time I made Chicken Pinot Noir with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Basil, it felt like a little celebration in my kitchen! The rich red wine sauce, tender chicken, and the earthy goodness of mushrooms came together like magic. You can also enjoy similar recipes like Balsamic Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe for more inspiration.

There’s something so satisfying about how these ingredients blend into such a flavorful, comforting dish. Making it isn’t just cooking; it’s setting the stage for an amazing meal. Whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner or impressing guests, this dish delivers every time!

Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Pinot Noir

These fresh, quality ingredients make this dish shine. Follow the notes for tips to ensure the best results!

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work great too.)
8 ounces wild mushrooms, sliced (Cremini, shiitake, or porcini are perfect for an earthy flavor.)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (Brightens up the dish with fresh herbal notes.)
2 cups Pinot Noir wine (Choose one you’d enjoy sipping for maximum flavor.)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (For browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.)
3 garlic cloves, minced (Aromatic and essential for depth of flavor.)
1 medium onion, finely chopped (Adds natural sweetness and balances the sauce.)
1 cup chicken stock (Enhances the sauce with its savory richness.)
Salt and black pepper to taste (Season everything to bring out the best flavors.)

Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for a small dinner party or family meal.

Fun Variations to Try

Whether you want to tailor this dish to your diet or personal preferences, these ideas make it adaptable and exciting!

Dairy-Free Option: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter touch.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives for a veggie-packed twist.
Spice Lovers: Throw in a pinch of red chili flakes for some heat.
Low-Carb Side Swap: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or potatoes.

For more low-carb inspiration, check out this Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce Recipe.

Cooking Time at a Glance

This flavorful dish doesn’t take ages to prepare. Here’s the breakdown of your time investment!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

What You’ll Need in the Kitchen?

A handful of trusty tools will help you cook this dish to absolute perfection.

Large Skillet: To sear the chicken and finish the dish all in one pan.
Wooden Spoon: Ideal for scraping up those delicious browned bits while making the sauce.
Cutting Board & Knife: For prepping your veggies, basil, and chicken.

How to Make Chicken Pinot Noir with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Basil?

Creating this dish is straightforward and oh-so-satisfying. Each step builds layers of flavor that will have you hooked.

Step 1. Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan and sear for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet; the next steps will take care of that. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2. Sauté the Mushrooms

With the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil or butter. Toss in the mushrooms and keep stirring until they release their moisture and start browning. Once golden, add the garlic and onion, cooking for another 2 minutes until everything smells fragrant and delicious.

Step 3. Build Your Sauce

Pour the Pinot Noir into the skillet and gently stir, scraping the browned bits from the bottom (this adds tons of flavor). Stir in the chicken stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the wine and stock amalgamate into a beautiful sauce.

Step 4. Simmer with Chicken and Basil

Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is surrounded by sauce. Sprinkle the fresh basil over the top and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the chicken cook through and soak up all the aromatic flavors of the sauce.

Step 5. Serve and Delight

Once the chicken is juicy and cooked to perfection, it’s time to plate up. Spoon plenty of sauce over each serving and garnish with a few extra basil leaves for a fresh and vibrant finish.

Tips for Nailing This Recipe

After making this dish a few times, here are my go-to tips to ensure perfection every time!

Choose Quality Pinot Noir: Use a wine you’d enjoy drinking since it’s a central flavor in the dish.
Perfect Mushrooms: Wild mushrooms bring out more flavor, but mixing cremini and shiitake works well too if they’re easier to find.
Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken adds depth and ensures a richer sauce.
Balancing the Flavor: Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the salt for the perfect harmony of flavors.

How to Serve Chicken Pinot Noir Perfectly?

This dish is as versatile in presentation as it is in taste. For the best serving experience, try these ideas!

With Creamy Sides: Mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Fresh and Light: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette for balance.
Wine Pairing: Serve with a glass of Pinot Noir to echo the flavors in the sauce.

Nutritional Benefits in Each Serving

This dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also packs some good nutrition!

Calories: 320
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 12g

Storing and Making Ahead

This meal saves beautifully, ensuring every bite tastes just as good the next day.

Make Ahead: You can brown the chicken and sauté the mushrooms ahead of time. Assemble everything in the pan and refrigerate until you’re ready to simmer and serve.

Refrigeration: Seal leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as they rest!

Freezing: Store the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Reasons to Make This Recipe on Repeat

From taste to versatility, there are so many reasons why this dish is irresistible!

Packed with Flavor: The Pinot Noir sauce is savory, rich, and unforgettable.
Elegant but Easy: Fancy enough for entertaining but simple enough for weeknights.
Customizable: Make the dish your own with ingredient swaps and add-ons.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup and all the flavor!
Perfect Pairing: Cooking and sipping Pinot Noir are all part of the fun.

Chicken Pinot Noir with Wild Mushrooms and Fresh Basil is destined to become one of your favorites. The deep, comforting flavors paired with the ease of preparation make it a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Happy cooking! Explore more lunch recipes for inspiration.