SLICED POACHED CHICKEN WITH LIGHT AND LEMONY GRAVY

Sliced Poached Chicken with Light and Lemony Gravy image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 onion, quartered
2 ribs celery, halved
1 carrot, peeled and halved
2 bay leaves
3 tablespoons butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or pasted
3 tablespoons flour
A few sprigs fresh thyme, finely chopped
1/2 cup white wine
1 lemon, zested
2 lemons, juiced
1/3 cup light cream, optional
Bread, for serving, optional
A few leaves fresh basil, torn or shredded, for garnish

Steps:

Place the chicken in a deep skillet or pot with the onion, celery, carrot, and bay leaves. Cover with just enough water to come to the top of the meat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and then simmer until cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate with tongs and tent with foil. Strain the poaching liquid and reserve 1 cup.
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter to melt. Add the shallot and garlic and stir for 2 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour and stir another minute. Stir in the thyme and wine. Add lemon zest and juice, the reserved poaching liquid, and simmer to reduce the sauce and thicken a bit. Stir in the cream, if desired. Slice the chicken and add to the sauce to warm. Serve with bread or a simple pasta dish such as Egg Pasta with Leeks. Garnish with basil and serve.