CHICKEN-AND-POLENTA PUTTANESCA MELTS

Chicken-and-Polenta Puttanesca Melts image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 slices (each 1/2 inch thick) precooked polenta, such as San Gennaro (about 12 ounces total)
1 pound chicken cutlets (4 large pieces, each 1/2 inch thick)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 cup mixed pitted olives, halved
2 tablespoons capers
1 tablespoon minced garlic (from 2 to 3 cloves)
1 1/2 cups homemade or store-bought marinara sauce
3 ounces low-moisture mozzarella, such as Polly-O
Chopped fresh parsley leaves, for serving (optional)

Steps:

Preheat broiler with rack 6 inches from heating element. Season polenta and chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a large ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high; swirl in 2 tablespoons oil. Add polenta and cook, flipping once, until golden and crisp on edges, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Add chicken to skillet; cook until browned on edges and cooked through, about 2 minutes a side. Transfer to plate. Add 1 tablespoon oil, olives, capers, and garlic to skillet; cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
Stir marinara into skillet; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; nestle in chicken and polenta, shingling them and spooning some sauce over top. Sprinkle with cheese; broil until bubbly, 4 to 5 minutes. Top with parsley; serve.