Chicken Paillards with Lemon-Butter Sauce

Martha Stewart Living, 2010

Serves 2-4

    4 chicken paillards (from 2 breast halves)
    Salt and pepper
    1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    1 tablespoon plus 2 to 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
    1/4 cup minced or sliced shallot
    Segments and juice of 2 lemons
    3/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock

Season chicken paillards on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Add two paillards, and saute on one side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Flip, and saute paillards until cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Raise heat to medium-high, and repeat with two remaining paillards.

Add shallot to skillet, and cook over medium heat, adding oil or butter as needed, stirring often, until golden, about 1 minute. Raise heat to medium-high. Add lemon segments and juice, chicken stock, and any plate juices, and deglaze the pan, scraping brown bits from bottom with a wooden spoon. Simmer until sauce reduces by half, about 3 minutes. Gradually stir in remaining 2 to 3 tablespoons butter until just melted. Season to taste.

Cook's Note: Other good flavorings for chicken include mushrooms, garlic, capers, Dijon mustard, tarragon, parsley, and chives. Try deglazing the pan with white wine or vermouth.