Tarragon Chicken Breasts With Buttered Leeks Recipes

JERRY TRAUNFELD'S TARRAGON CHICKEN BREAST WITH BUTTERY LEEKS

Steps:

• Place leeks in a large skillet with chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of the butter.
• Cook at a gentle boil over medium heat until the leeks are tender and the broth has boiled down far enough so that the leeks are no longer completely submerged; this should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Place them on top of the simmering leeks, spoon some of the leeks over the chicken, and cover the pan tightly.
• Reduce the heat to low; after 10 minutes, test the chicken for doneness. It should feel firm when you press it. If breast pieces are large, it could take as long as 15 minutes, but don't overcook them.
• When the chicken is done, transfer it to a warm platter.
• Increase the heat under the leeks to high; stir in the lemon juice , the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the tarragon.
• When the butter melts, season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the leek sauce over the chicken and serve.

FRENCH CHICKEN TARRAGON

Steps:

• Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature.
• Heat the oven to 400°F. Put an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and shallots and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and chopped tarragon and cook for 1 minute (be careful not to let the garlic brown). Arrange the chicken thighs in the pot in one layer, add the broth and wine, and bring to a simmer.
• Put the lid on and place the pot on the middle shelf of the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 350°F and continue baking for 45 minutes, or until the thighs are tender. Put the thighs on a platter, cover loosely, and keep warm.
• Strain the pan juices through a fine sieve into a saucepan and spoon off any rising fat. Place the pan over medium-high heat, add the crème fraîche and lemon zest, and simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Spoon the sauce over the chicken, garnish with tarragon leaves, and serve.

BAKED TARRAGON CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°.
• Place chicken in a lightly spray 8x8 baking dish or casserole.
• In a small sauce pan. melt butter.
• Whisk in remaining ingredients.
• Pour over chicken.
• Bake covered for 20 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickest part of breast is no loner pink.
• Spoon sauce over chicken and serve.

SAUTéED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH TARRAGON

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.