I like to think of chicken as a blank canvas: A lean protein that, when paired with the right ingredients, transforms into something extraordinary. In this dish, inspired by chicken stifado from Northern Greece, braised chicken breast is cooked in white wine until juicy and flavorful. The traditional recipe has many variations and often includes other vegetables as well as a whole chicken. But in my family, everyone loves this quick and simple version of the dish. Layers of jammy caramelized shallots and sage add a great wow-factor! And it goes well with just about any side dish: like rice pilaf, orzo pasta, roasted vegetables or your favorite cooked grains. Comforting and nutritious, this simple recipe has a short list of ingredients. And, most importantly, it’s ready in well under an hour!
Ingredients and Substitutions
As is the case with most weeknight Greek recipes, the list of ingredients for this white wine chicken is not too long and consists mostly of pantry ingredients. Many of those are interchangeable and can easily be substituted with what you have on hand:
Chicken: I use lean chicken breasts, but you can use boneless chicken thighs or even chicken cutlets. Shallots and garlic: The shallots can be replaced with sweet onions; the garlic is an essential flavor booster and you can easily increase the quantity if you like. Olive oil: I use good quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the chicken, the shallots, and the garlic. Learn more in our guide: Cooking With Olive Oil: Everything You Need To Know! and find our favorite Mediterranean olive oils at our shop. Butter: Just a tiny amount of butter enriches the flavor of the dish. You may, however, substitute the butter with more olive oil, if you would rather avoid dairy. Flour: A small amount is necessary to coat the chicken to ensure a nice sear. It also helps thicken the pan sauce. Seasonings and aromatics: In addition to salt and pepper, dried Greek oregano, dried bay leaves, and fresh sage are great flavor enhancers for this simple dish. If you do not have sage, you can substitute it with fresh thyme. Tomato paste: This contributes great depth of flavor. White wine: Adds a complex acidity undertone, but can be substituted with more chicken stock. Chicken stock: Use either homemade, a good quality store bought, or bouillon diluted in warm water. Lemon: Adds nice, bright flavor to lighten the dish.
How to Make Braised Chicken Breast
Once you have all the ingredients, prepped, measured, and ready to go, this dish can be ready in just about 30 minutes. Thin chicken breasts cook quickly, which is key for this recipe.
Get Ready
Prep your aromatics: Slice 2 large shallots. Mince 2 large garlic cloves. Mince enough sage leaves to get 2 tablespoons. Prepare the chicken: Pound 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breasts lightly to achieve an even thickness (please see note below). Your butcher can also do this for you if you ask. Pat them very dry. Season the chicken: Spread 1/4 cup flour in a rimmed plate or shallow bowl. Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, then dredge the pieces in the flour, turning to coat. Heat the stock: Add 1 cup of chicken stock to a saucepan and set over medium-low heat.
Sear, Then Braise the Chicken
Brown the chicken: Place a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When the butter melts and the mixture simmers, add the flour-coated chicken then cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, or until golden brown. Turn the chicken over and continue to cook for 4 minutes or so more. You might need to do this in stages to fit all the chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan, place it on a large plate, and cover it with some foil to keep warm. Cook the shallots and garlic: To the same skillet, add the sliced shallots and cook until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and the sage and cook for another minute or so. Next, add 1 tablespoon tomato paste and stir to combine. Make the sauce: Turn the heat to high and bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it has reduced and thickened. Add the hot chicken stock to the pan. Braise: Add the chicken back to the pan and partially cover the skillet with a lid. Braise the chicken, turning it a couple of times to coat it in the sauce, until it’s cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Finish and serve: Once the sauce is reduced slightly, add the lemon juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and stir well to combine. Plate the chicken and spoon some of the lovely shallot sauce over it.
Tips for the Best White Wine Chicken
This is an easy braised chicken breast recipe, but a few simple techniques will bring it to the next level.
Tips for pounding the chicken
Thin chicken pieces will ensure they cook quickly and evenly without drying out.
Small chicken breasts (about 5-6 oz. each): trim them and place them between two pieces of plastic wrap (or, a ziptop bag) and pound them to an even thickness (about ¼-inch). Large chicken breasts (about 8-9 oz. each): butterfly each one horizontally into two halves, by carefully slicing them from the thicker end to the thinner. Chicken thigh: pound lightly so they are about the same thickness throughout.
For browning
Searing the chicken concentrates its flavor, and makes for a better texture.
Take your time and sear the chicken on both sides until lightly brown. While it cooks on one side, do not disturb it by lifting it to see if it is done. When it is ready, it should release from the pan naturally when gently shaken. If the chicken does not fit in one pan, cook it in batches.
For braising
This recipe works just fine with just a lid, but if you want to make your chicken extra juicy, try making a “hat” for the pan with parchment paper. Here’s how:
Cut a large piece of parchment and trim it to fit the inside of your pan or skillet.Cut a small vent in the middle of the paper to allow some steam to escape. Press the paper lid directly onto the surface of the chicken. Place the lid on the pan, propping it up on one side so it’s only loosely covered.
What to Serve with Braised Chicken Breasts
This is such a versatile recipe that’s so easy to prepare. Anything where you can spoon some of the lovely sauce over top is particularly welcome! Try rice pilaf, a simple baked orzo dish, seasonal roasted vegetables or Briam: Traditional Greek Roasted Vegetables or Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Or, for a healthy side dish you can put together in just about 10 minutes, serve with Sautéed Asparagus.
Storage and Getting Ahead
This recipe serves 4 people. Even when you’re cooking for only two people, I recommend making the whole recipe (the leftovers are incredible). If you are cooking for 4, you might want to consider doubling it and saving it for another day later in the week or to share with a friend or your favorite neighbor. You will be happy you did.
Reheating: Place the portions you want in a skillet, cover it, and simmer until heated through, adding some warm chicken stock if necessary. Freezing: This chicken dish freezes very well. Place your leftovers in a freezer bag or a freezer safe container and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet, covered, adding a little more liquid (stock or water) if necessary.
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