Chicken Riesling is an elegant and savory dish that brings together crispy chicken, bacon, and mushrooms, all smothered in a rich and creamy white wine sauce. The addition of Riesling, a fruity white wine, provides the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making this recipe a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Paired with buttered parmesan pasta, this dish is not only restaurant-quality but also easy to make in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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Why You’ll Love Chicken Riesling
Chicken Riesling is the perfect recipe for anyone looking for a delicious yet simple dinner option. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this dish offers the ideal balance of rich, savory flavors and tender chicken. The creamy sauce made with Riesling wine, bacon, and mushrooms is irresistible, and the buttered parmesan pasta makes a perfect side to complement the main dish. It’s a unique take on classic chicken recipes, offering a sophisticated yet accessible meal everyone will love.
Ingredients for Chicken Riesling
To make Chicken Riesling, you’ll need the following ingredients:
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Breasts: Cut into smaller cutlets to ensure even cooking and a perfect bite.
• Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings for flavoring the chicken.
• Flour: Helps create a golden crust on the chicken while thickening the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness to the mushrooms and creates a smooth, flavorful base for the sauce.
• Cremini Mushrooms: These mushrooms have a deep, earthy flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of dried herbs for a savory touch.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Riesling: The star of the sauce, this dry white wine brings sweetness and acidity for balance.
• Heavy Cream: Provides the luxurious, creamy texture of the sauce.
• Pasta: Buttered parmesan pasta perfectly complements the Chicken Riesling and rounds out the meal.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Wine Substitute: If you don’t have Riesling on hand, you can substitute it with other dry white wines such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. For a deeper flavor, consider using Marsala or Sherry.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They will need a bit more time to cook, but they’re incredibly tender and flavorful.
• Mushroom Variations: While cremini mushrooms are ideal for their earthy taste, you can substitute with button mushrooms, shiitake, or even oyster mushrooms.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Riesling
- Prepare the Pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with butter and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: Cut the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into smaller cutlets. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then dredge it in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the skillet with bacon fat over medium-high heat and cook the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add butter and mushrooms. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and sauté until the mushrooms release their moisture and develop a nice sear, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the Riesling wine, scraping up any brown bits from the skillet. Let it reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, then return the chicken and bacon to the skillet. Simmer for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Finish and Serve: Season the dish with extra salt and pepper as needed. Serve the chicken with buttered parmesan pasta and garnish with parsley if desired.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken Riesling
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To ensure the chicken stays juicy, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated parmesan often lacks the freshness needed for this dish.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a bit of additional wine or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Skillet: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will allow each piece to get a golden, crispy exterior.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
While Chicken Riesling is delicious on its own, here are a few side dishes that complement the rich flavors of the dish:
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and smooth contrast to the savory chicken and creamy sauce.
• Sautéed Green Beans: A light, fresh vegetable like green beans adds a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with homemade croutons makes a fantastic appetizer or side to balance the richness of the main dish.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of extra cheesy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the flavorful sauce.
Seasonal and Health Benefits of Chicken Riesling
Chicken Riesling is an excellent dish for any season, but it’s particularly comforting during the colder months. The rich, creamy sauce warms you up, while the wine adds a sophisticated twist. Plus, with the inclusion of lean chicken breast and earthy mushrooms, it provides a good source of protein and nutrients, making it a balanced meal when paired with pasta or vegetables.
Enjoy this classic Chicken Riesling recipe and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. The combination of crispy chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy wine sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Conclusion: The Perfect Chicken Riesling for Any Occasion
Chicken Riesling is the ultimate dish for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. The combination of crispy chicken, savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy, white wine sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re preparing it for a family weeknight meal or a special dinner for guests, this dish will always deliver rich flavors and a sophisticated touch. Paired with buttered parmesan pasta, this Chicken Riesling recipe is a complete, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
With easy-to-follow instructions, a handful of simple ingredients, and the bold, unique flavor of Riesling, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process, savor the result, and share the joy of a delicious homemade meal.
FAQs About Chicken Riesling
1. Can I make Chicken Riesling without Riesling wine?
Yes, if you don’t have Riesling wine, you can substitute it with other dry white wines such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. Alternatively, Marsala or Sherry can offer a different but still delicious flavor for the sauce. The key is to use a dry white wine to keep the sauce balanced.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as chicken thighs tend to take a bit longer to cook. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to confirm they are fully cooked.
3. How do I avoid the sauce from separating when reheating?
To prevent the sauce from separating when reheating leftovers, always heat it over low heat. Stir frequently and consider adding a splash of wine or broth to re-emulsify the sauce. If using a microwave, reheat in 30-second increments on low power.
4. What can I serve with Chicken Riesling besides pasta?
While buttered parmesan pasta is a perfect pairing, you can also serve Chicken Riesling with mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a fresh Caesar salad. For a hearty addition, try pairing it with a slice of cheesy garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce
More Relevant Recipes
- Chicken Stroganoff with Mushrooms: This creamy chicken stroganoff recipe features tender chicken and mushrooms in a rich, velvety sauce, similar in flavor profile to Chicken Riesling, offering a satisfying, indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.
- Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast: A simple yet flavorful dish, this garlic butter baked chicken breast is tender and juicy, with a rich butter-based sauce that pairs well with fresh herbs, making it an excellent alternative for those craving a creamy, savory chicken dish.
- Grilled Honey BBQ Bacon Chicken Kabobs: These grilled kabobs combine smoky bacon and juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy BBQ glaze, offering a bold flavor contrast to the creamy, wine-infused notes of Chicken Riesling while still delivering a savory, satisfying meal.

Chicken Riesling Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Riesling is an elegant dish that combines crispy chicken, savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy, white wine sauce. Paired with buttered parmesan pasta, it offers a rich, flavorful experience that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Ingredients
- 5-6 strips bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Flour for dredging
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 7 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Riesling wine
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti (for buttered parmesan pasta)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for buttered parmesan pasta)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (for buttered parmesan pasta)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and toss with butter and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving 2-3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Cut the chicken into smaller cutlets, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and dredge in flour. Shake off excess flour.
- In the same skillet, cook the chicken cutlets over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add butter and mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and develop a nice sear. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the Riesling wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and add the chicken and bacon back to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Serve the chicken with buttered parmesan pasta, and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh parmesan for the best flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little wine or broth.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F.
- If you don’t have Riesling, substitute with another dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fry, Simmer
- Cuisine: American, French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 812
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 789mg
- Fat: 54g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 135mg