Chicken Marengo Served With Polenta

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• kosher salt, to taste
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• garlic powder, to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and sliced
• 1 celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup dry white wine or sherry wine
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh button mushrooms
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
• 3 parsley sprigs
• 1/4 cup fresh thyme leave
• 1 (11 ounce) package prepared polenta, cut into 16 slices

Directions

1. 1

   Rinse chicken breasts and gently pat dry. Season with the salt, pepper and garlic powder.

2. 2

   Heat a wide, heavy-bottomed saute pan over a medium-high flame. Add the olive oil and heat for another minute.

3. 3

   Gently place the chicken in the pan and cook 2-3 minutes on each side until the breasts are lightly browned. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. (Keep warm.).

4. 4

   Add butter to the saute pan and heat until it foams. Add the onions and celery and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Next, add the chicken stock and wine; bring mixture to a boil.

5. 5

   Return the chicken to the saute pan and add the tomatoes and mushrooms. Cover and reduce heat. Simmer 10 minutes or until chicken is tender.

6. 6

   Meanwhile, warm the polenta according to the package directions.

7. 7

   Once the juices run clear, and a thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken breasts registers 170°F, remove the chicken from the saute pan and arrange it on a warmed serving platter.

8. 8

   Add the chopped olives, parsley and thyme to the pan and cook for another minute, then top the chicken with the sauce and serve immediately.

9. 9

   Place 4 slices of polenta and 1 chicken breast on each plate. Warm, crusty italian bread, a glass of your favorite Chardonnay, and a crisp green salad served with a vinegertte dressing makes this Italian chicken dish complete.

10. 10

    Chef's Tip: Finish off your fabulous Italian meal with traditional biscotti and a glass of Vin Santo. Vin Santo is a mildly sweet dessert wine with a bold, nutty taste.