A full-on fine-dining main: chicken breasts cured briefly, pan-seared, then oven-finished and lacquered with a glossy port–cherry reduction. Served with silky celery root–potato purée and blistered broccolini for a clean, modern plate. This is the kind of dish that reads “tasting menu” but is very doable at home.
Details
Ingredients
- Draper Valley Boneless Skinless Fresh Chicken Breast 1 lb (2 portions) $7.49/lb (reg)
- Organic Yukon Gold Potatoes 8 oz, peeled and cubed $4.99/3 lb (reg)
- Celery root (celeriac) 10–12 oz, peeled and cubed Not listed
- Broccolini (or broccoli) 8–10 oz broccolini (or 1 small broccoli bunch, cut into long florets) Not listed (broccoli on sale list)
- Fresh or frozen cherries (or dried cherries) 1 cup fresh/frozen OR 1/3 cup dried Not listed
- Port wine (or ruby port) 1/2 cup Not listed
- Chicken stock 1 cup Not listed
- Shallot 1, finely minced Not listed
- Simple Truth Organic Garlic Bulbs 1 clove, smashed $2.79/3 ct (reg)
- Fresh thyme 4–6 sprigs Not listed
- Butter 4 tbsp, divided Not listed
- Olive oil 2 tbsp Not listed
- Kosher salt + black pepper As needed Not listed
- Lemon 1/2 lemon (for broccolini) Not listed
Instructions
- Quick dry-brine (style move): Season chicken all over with 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt and black pepper. Refrigerate uncovered 30–60 minutes (or do 15 minutes at room temp if rushed).
- Oven: Heat oven to 425°F. Put a sheet pan in the oven to preheat (helps blister the broccolini fast).
- Purée base: In a pot, combine cubed celery root + Yukon Gold with cold salted water. Bring to a boil, then simmer 12–15 min until very tender. Drain VERY well and let steam-dry 2 minutes.
- Silky purée: Blend (or mash thoroughly) with 2 tbsp butter and a splash of warm milk/cream (not listed) or stock until luxuriously smooth. Season with salt. Keep warm on very low heat, covered.
- Sear chicken (stove → oven): Heat 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 min until deep golden; flip, sear 2 min. Add smashed garlic + thyme sprigs to the pan. Transfer skillet to oven and roast 6–10 min until 160°F, then rest to 165°F on a plate (tent loosely).
- Blistered broccolini: Toss broccolini with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the preheated sheet pan; roast 8–10 min until charred-tipped. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and a tiny pinch of flaky salt (if you have it).
- Port–cherry reduction (gloss): Discard excess fat from chicken pan, leaving browned bits. On medium heat add minced shallot; cook 1 minute. Add port + cherries + stock. Simmer 8–12 minutes until syrupy and reduced to ~1/2 cup. Strain for ultra-fine dining vibes (optional). Whisk in 1 tbsp cold butter to finish (makes it shiny). Taste: you want sweet/savory balance—add a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar if needed.
- Plate like a pro: Swipe a generous spoon of purée across each plate. Slice chicken on a bias and fan over the purée. Spoon lacquer-like sauce around (not on top only). Lean broccolini against the chicken. Optional: thyme leaves over the sauce.
Health notes: High protein; moderate-high calories due to butter and purée. Add extra broccolini and reduce butter if you want it lighter.
Drink pairing: Pinot Noir (Willamette or WA), Merlot, or a Washington Syrah if you like more power. If you want white: rich Chardonnay (light oak) can work with the reduction and purée.