Cheesecake Factory Chicken Riesling Recipe
The Cheesecake Factory Chicken Riesling is a classic American main course featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in dry Riesling wine with sautéed pancetta, mushrooms, and onions, finished with a creamy sauce. This dish beautifully balances rich and acidic flavors, creating an elegant yet easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 to 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner / Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 8 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on optional)
- 3/4 bottle (500 ml) dry Riesling wine
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 250 grams mushrooms, sliced
Meat
- 125 grams pancetta, sliced into thin strips
Dairy and Oils
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the final baking step.
- Sauté Garlic and Pancetta: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and pancetta strips, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic turns golden and the pancetta begins to crisp, releasing rich flavor.
- Add Onions and Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced onions and mushrooms. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and develop a light brown color, enhancing their sweetness.
- Add Chicken and Riesling: Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, then pour in the dry Riesling wine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, turning the chicken once halfway through to ensure even cooking and flavor infusion.
- Stir in Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, creating a rich, creamy consistency.
- Bake to Finish: Transfer the entire skillet contents into a baking dish. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the tops are golden brown.
- Season and Serve: Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot for a comforting, elegant meal.
Notes
- Wine Tip: Use a dry Riesling rather than a sweet one to balance the richness of the cream with acidity.
- Substitutes: Pancetta can be replaced with smoked bacon. For a leaner option, use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Make-Ahead: The dish can be cooked up to the simmering step a day in advance. Simply bake before serving for best results.
Keywords: Chicken Riesling, Cheesecake Factory recipe, creamy chicken dish, pancetta chicken, mushroom chicken, comfort food, American dinner recipe, chicken with wine sauce
