Description
Tender bites of seasoned chicken are pan-seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a savory tomato and white wine sauce loaded with caramelized onions and garlic. Served over pasta, this comforting dish is packed with deep flavor and a silky finish—perfect for weeknight dinners that feel a little elevated.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if preferred)
- 8 oz. canned tomato sauce (see notes)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (0.87 oz) + 1 cup cold water (or 1 cup homemade brown gravy)
Seasoning Blend:
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- ¾ lb. thin spaghetti (or less if you like extra sauce)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Make the Sauce Base
In a mixing cup, whisk together 1 cup of cold water with the brown gravy mix until smooth. Stir in the tomato sauce and all the seasoning blend. Set aside.
Prep and Cook the Chicken
Dice the chicken into bite-sized cubes and season lightly with salt and pepper. Dust evenly with flour to coat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Deglaze the Pan
Turn off the heat and pour in ¼ cup of the wine. Set heat to medium and use a spatula to gently scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let it bubble and reduce slightly.
Caramelize the Onions
Add butter and the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 20 minutes until the onions are soft and golden—don’t rush this step! It builds amazing flavor.
Add Garlic and Simmer
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the remaining wine and let it gently simmer for 5 more minutes to reduce.
Add Sauce + Chicken
Stir in the prepared gravy-tomato mixture. Let it come to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and simmer uncovered while you cook the pasta.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain well.
Combine and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss until well coated in the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
Helpful Notes
- Wine Substitute: If avoiding alcohol, chicken broth is a good swap, though dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay) adds more depth.
- Tomato Sauce: Use a plain, smooth canned tomato sauce such as Hunt’s. Tomato passata is also a fine alternative.
- Gravy: Store-bought brown gravy mix works great, but homemade gravy elevates this even more.
- Pasta Options: Use spaghetti, or swap with rotini, penne, or ziti if that’s what you have on hand.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 619kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 907mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 79g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 80mg