Cheesecake Factory Chicken Riesling Recipe

I’m excited to share my take on the beloved Cheesecake Factory Chicken Riesling recipe. During my time experimenting with this dish, I’ve learned some tricks to make it even better than the restaurant version.

The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfect blend of mushrooms and bacon create an incredible meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The sweet notes of Riesling wine combine beautifully with the savory elements, making this dish truly special.

I’ll show you how to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen, with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

What is Riesling?

Riesling is a white grape variety that originates from the Rhine region of Germany. It is known for its aromatic qualities and high acidity. Riesling wines can range from sweet to dry and are often characterized by notes of apple, peach, and pear. This wine is perfect for cooking as it adds a sweet and tangy flavor to dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version

1. Flavorful and Creamy: The combination of Riesling wine and heavy cream creates a rich, luxurious sauce that coats every bite of chicken and pasta.
2. Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry, making it easy to whip up this dish without a trip to the store.
3. Restaurant Quality: This recipe brings the Cheesecake Factory experience to your home, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special meal with family.
4. Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, making it a versatile and personalized dish.

Ingredients List

• 4 Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, ideal for juicy, tender results.
• 6 Strips of Bacon: Adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
• 1 Cup Mushrooms: Sliced to bring a rich, earthy touch.
• 1 Medium Onion: Finely chopped for a subtle, sweet flavor.
• 3 Cloves Minced Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and enhances the sauce.
• 1 Cup Riesling Wine: The star ingredient, adding sweet and tangy notes.
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream: For a luxuriously creamy sauce.
• 2 Tablespoons Butter: Adds richness and depth.
• 2 Tablespoons Flour: Thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
• 1 Pound Fettuccine Pasta: A hearty base to absorb all the delicious sauce.
• Seasonings: Salt and black pepper to taste.
• Optional: Parsley flakes for a fresh, vibrant garnish.

Possible Substitutions

1. Chicken: Substitute with turkey or pork chops if preferred.
2. Bacon: Use pancetta or omit for a lighter version.
3. Riesling Wine: Swap with another white wine like Chardonnay or a non-alcoholic white grape juice.
4. Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
5. Fettuccine: Replace with any pasta of your choice, such as linguine or penne.

Kitchen Appliances Needed

• Skillet or frying pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs

How To Make Cheesecake Factory Chicken Riesling

Step 1 | Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts flat, season with salt and pepper, and sear in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 2 | Cook the Bacon

In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 3 | Sauté Veggies

Add butter and olive oil to the skillet. Sauté onions, mushrooms, and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Step 4 | Make the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies and mix well. Slowly pour in the Riesling wine, stirring continuously. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5 | Combine

Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it cook in the sauce for 10 minutes.

Step 6 | Cook Pasta

Boil fettuccine in salted water for 9 minutes (2 minutes less than package instructions).

Step 7 | Assemble & Serve

Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Plate the pasta and place the chicken on top. Sprinkle crispy bacon and parsley flakes as garnish. Now, it is ready to serve.

Tips for Making this Dish Perfect

1. Chicken Preparation: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
2. Cooking Wine: Use a good quality Riesling for the best flavor.
3. Bacon: Cook bacon until it’s extra crispy for the best texture.
4. Thickening the Sauce: Add flour gradually and stir constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Some Good Side Dishes to Pair With Chicken Riesling

Here are some delicious options that complement the creamy and savory flavors of this dish:

Steamed Asparagus

Steamed asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich and creamy Chicken Riesling.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious Riesling sauce. The crispy texture and garlicky flavor are a delightful addition to the meal.

Green Salad

A light, refreshing green salad balances the richness of Chicken Riesling. Use mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a perfect pairing.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini add a hearty and healthy component to your meal. The caramelized edges and savory flavors are a great match for the creamy chicken.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and classic side that pairs wonderfully with Chicken Riesling. The smooth texture and buttery flavor complement the dish perfectly.

Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf, with its fragrant spices and fluffy texture, is an excellent side dish that absorbs the sauce beautifully and adds a subtle nutty flavor to the meal.

Storage Tips

Let me share how I keep this Chicken Riesling fresh after making it. For refrigerator storage, I always make sure the dish has completely cooled down before putting it away. I store the pasta and sauce in separate airtight containers – this prevents the pasta from soaking up too much sauce and getting mushy. When stored properly in the refrigerator, the dish stays good for 3-4 days. I’ve found glass containers work best for storing the sauce as they don’t stain and are easy to clean.

If you’re planning to freeze portions for later, you’ll want to use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. I always label them with the date since the dish can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just move it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This slow thawing helps maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

The cream sauce might separate a bit when reheated, but don’t worry – this is normal. Just warm it slowly over low heat, stirring often. If needed, add a small splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its original consistency. I’ve found this method works perfectly to restore the dish to its fresh-made quality.

Cheesecake Factory Chicken Riesling Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The sauce and chicken can be made up to 2 days ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. Reheat the sauce slowly, adding a splash of cream if needed to reach desired consistency.

2. What type of Riesling works best?

Pick a semi-sweet Riesling from Germany or Washington State. The wine doesn’t need to be expensive, but choose one you’d enjoy drinking. Avoid very sweet dessert Rieslings.

3. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep heat low when adding cream and never let it boil. Add cream slowly while stirring constantly. If sauce gets too hot, remove pan from heat briefly while continuing to stir.

4. Can I make this dish without wine?

Yes! Replace wine with chicken broth and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for acidity. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

5. Why did my sauce turn out too thin?

The flour needs time to cook with the butter to thicken properly. Make sure to cook flour mixture for 1-2 minutes before adding liquids. If still too thin, simmer longer to reduce.

6. How do I reheat leftovers?

Heat slowly in microwave or stovetop, stirring often. Add splash of cream or milk to restore sauce consistency. Heat until just warm to prevent sauce separation.

7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work great and stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might need few extra minutes.

8. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Chicken should reach internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cut into thickest part – meat should be white throughout with no pink.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use larger pan or cook in batches. Don’t overcrowd pan when cooking chicken. Double all ingredients except seasonings – adjust those to taste.

Continue to Content

Cheesecake Factory Chicken Riesling Recipe

Yield: 4 Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Recrate the Cheesecake Factory Chicken Riesling Recipe at home with this easy guide. Rich, creamy, and flavorful, it's better than the restaurant version!

Print

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 6 Strips of Bacon
• 1 Cup Mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 Medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 3 Cloves Minced Garlic
• 1 Cup Riesling Wine
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Flour
• 1 Pound Fettuccine Pasta
• Salt (to taste)
• Black Pepper (to taste)
• Optional: Parsley flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1 | Prepare the Chicken

Pound the chicken breasts flat, season with salt and pepper, and sear in a skillet with olive oil until golden brown (about 4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 2 | Cook the Bacon

In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 3 | Sauté Veggies

Add butter and olive oil to the skillet. Sauté onions, mushrooms, and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Step 4 | Make the Sauce

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed veggies and mix well. Slowly pour in the Riesling wine, stirring continuously. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5 | Combine

Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it cook in the sauce for 10 minutes.

Step 6 | Cook Pasta

Boil fettuccine in salted water for 9 minutes (2 minutes less than package instructions).

Step 7 | Assemble & Serve

Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Plate the pasta and place the chicken on top. Sprinkle crispy bacon and parsley flakes as garnish. Now, it is ready to serve.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 720Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 800mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 40g

Conclusion

This Cheesecake Factory Chicken Riesling recipe brings restaurant-quality food right to your table. The creamy wine sauce, tender chicken, and perfect blend of mushrooms create an amazing meal that’s sure to impress. I make this dish often when I want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Give it a try and share your cooking experience with us! Head over to Pinterest to save this recipe for later – you’ll want to make it again and again.