SAUTéED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH TARRAGON

Sautéed Chicken Breasts With Tarragon image

As the owner of the French Laundry, Per Se and Bouchon, restaurateur Thomas Keller is best known for haute cuisine, but he can do weeknight cooking, too. Case in point: this elegant and easy chicken dish that can be ready in about 20 minutes.

Provided by Kim Severson

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon Madras curry powder
6 large (about 6 ounces each) or 12 small (about 3 ounces each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt
Canola oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped tarragon plus 1 tablespoon whole tarragon leaves
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

In a small bowl mix together paprika and curry powder, and sprinkle on both sides of chicken breasts; cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Place 2 breasts on large sheet of plastic wrap, cover with more plastic and pound with a mallet until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Repeat with remaining breasts. (Chicken may be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 12 hours.)
Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Season chicken on both sides with salt. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add enough canola oil to film the bottom of pan. Working in batches, without crowding, place breasts smooth side down and let cook until golden brown, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Turn and cook for another 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet and keep warm in oven.
Wipe out skillet and return to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and shallot, and sauté for 30 seconds, swirling pan to coat shallot with butter. Add wine, raise heat to medium-high, and cook until wine is reduced by half, about 1 minute. Add stock, bring to boil, and cook until reduced and slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes.
Stir in chopped tarragon, remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and any juices that have accumulated on baking sheet. Swirl to melt butter, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Arrange chicken on a warmed platter, pour sauce over it, and garnish with whole tarragon leaves.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 122, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 3 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 207 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams