Raspberry chicken with thyme

4 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
cupRaspberries
8Thyme sprigs plus
1teaspoonThyme, minced
4Chicken breast halves boneless, with skin
Salt and pepper to taste
3tablespoonsButter, cut into pieces
1teaspoonOlive oil
cupDry white wine
2tablespoonsBalsamic vinegar
1Shallot, minced
½cupChicken stock

Directions

1. Press half of the raspberries through a fine stainless steel strainer; reserve the puree.

2. Tuck one thyme sprig under the skin of each chicken breast, loosening the skin as little as possible. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

2. In a large, heavy, nonreactive skillet, melt « tsp of the butter in the oil over high heat. When the butter stops foaming, add the chicken, skin side down, and cook for 1 minute. Reduce the heat to moderate and cook until the skin is nicely browned, about 5 minutes longer. Turn the chicken and brown the second side, about 6 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm in a low oven. Pour the fat from the skillet.

3. Add the wine, vinegar, shallot and minced thyme to the skillet and boil over moderately high heat for 2 minutes, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add the chicken stock and boil until reduced to ¬ cup, about 5 minutes. Stir in the reserved raspberry puree and cook until warmed through. Remove from the heat and whisk in the remaining 2« tbs butter.

4. Slice the chicken breasts crosswise or leave them whole. Transfer to warmed plates and spoon the sauce on top or alongside. Garnish with the remaining thyme sprigs and whole raspberries and serve.

Food and Wine September 1995

Submitted By DIANE LAZARUS On 09-29-95