Chicken Bites with Grapes
- Gluten Free
- Lactose Free
- Energy Kcal 362
- Carbohydrates g 26.3
- of which sugars g 21.9
- Protein g 41.8
- Fats g 6.6
- of which saturated fat g 1.23
- Fiber g 2.1
- Cholesterol mg 105
- Sodium mg 553
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep time: 10 min
- Cook time: 20 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Low
PRESENTATION
When autumn rolls in across Northern and Central Italy, dishes like chicken bites with grapes become a staple on the dinner table. Instead of just turning those fresh, juicy grapes into wine, Italians toss them right into savory recipes, and, wow, it works out beautifully. These chicken bites, or "bocconcini di pollo all’uva," explore the sweet and aromatic side of grapes while keeping things nice and creamy with a rich sauce.
As the chicken cooks, it absorbs the deep, garnet colors from the grape juice, creating a dish that not only smells amazing but also looks a bit fancy. I mean, compared to the typical chicken salad with grapes you might see at a picnic, this one leans into those cozy, autumn flavors found in Northern and Central Italy. And listen, it pairs perfectly with other fall classics from the region, like pappardelle with speck and porcini mushrooms—seriously good—a combo that shows the foresty and tender flavors of the season.
Plus, many Italians enjoy this chicken grape appetizer to add a twist to traditional chicken and grape recipes. The best part? The moist chicken absorbs both the savory and tangy notes from the grapes, making each bite super super addictive. You can really taste that mix of earthiness and fruit, especially if you have regional grapes that are a bit more sweet than the usual store-bought varieties. No question, this dish often appears at gatherings in the fall, maybe alongside some crusty bread or as part of a bigger spread featuring other chicken salad variations.
People love it because it’s a little special without being fussy. It really shows how seasonal food in Italy isn't just about what's on the table but about using fresh, local ingredients, like grapes, speck, and mushrooms, to create dishes that feel just right for the chilly weather. So here's the deal: next time you're looking to try something different, this chicken salad with grapes is a real game changer for autumn meals. And the sauce? Pretty much perfect.
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- INGREDIENTS
- Black grapes 2 cups (300 g)
- Chicken breast 1.5 lbs (700 g)
- Leeks 2.8 oz (80 g)
- Marsala wine ½ cup (120 g)
- Cornstarch 0.5 oz (15 g)
- Fresh ginger 0.5 oz (13 g)
- Thyme to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil to taste
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How to prepare Chicken Bites with Grapes
To make the chicken bites with grapes, first wash the grape berries well, then pour a drizzle of oil into a pan, add the grapes 1, cover with the lid, and cook for 5 minutes over low heat. After this time 3 turn off the heat and set aside.
Now take the chicken breast and cut it in half first 4 and then into chunks 5. After peeling the outer parts of the leek, cut the base and then slice it thinly 6.
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil, add the leek 7, and let it sauté on low heat until soft, about 5 minutes. At this point, also add the chicken bites 8 and increase the heat. Season with grated ginger 9
and stir 10. When the chicken is well browned on all sides, scent with thyme leaves 11, salt 12,
pepper 13, and deglaze with Marsala wine 14. Let the wine evaporate and then add the cornstarch 15 which will make the preparation creamy.
Now you can add the cooked grapes to the pot 16, stir, and cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens 17. Serve the chicken bites with grapes hot 18.