Chicken Breasts with Chestnut Stove Top Stuffing and Balsamic Cream Gravy

Ingredients

4 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
2 leeks, cleaned and chopped
1 cup chopped chestnuts, jarred or fresh roasted
1 1/2 cups stock, divided
4 slices (each about an inch thick) brioche or challah bread
4 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon thyme leaves, a few sprigs

2 tablespoons flour
1/3 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar

Yields: 4 servings

Preparation

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and sear in the hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through, 4-5 minutes per side.

While the chicken is cooking, place a small skillet over medium-high heat with remaining 2 tablespoons EVOO. Cook the leeks in the pan until tender, 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, add the chestnuts and about 1/2 cup stock to the pan and bring up to a bubble.

While the leeks are cooking, toast the bread and spread with about 2 tablespoons butter. Chop the toast into 1-inch cubes and transfer to a large bowl. Add the leeks and chestnuts, parsley and thyme to the bread cubes and toss to combine, cover with foil. Reserve warm.

Place a small pot over medium-high heat with remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and cook for about a minute. Whisk remaining cup chicken stock, cream and balsamic into the butter-flour mixture, and bring up to a bubble. Simmer until thickened, 2-3 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.

Serve the chicken breasts with the stuffing, balsamic cream gravy and some steamed veggies alongside.