Chicken Medallions with Fennel & Pine Nuts

By therman

RR

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons EVOO
• 1 bulb fennel, trimmed and shaved with a mandoline or very thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, shaved with a mandoline or very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 4 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 1/3 cup anise-flavored liqueur, such as Pernod (may substitute dry vermouth)
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 4 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup crisp white wine

Preparation

Step 1

In a small skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium, stirring often, until golden and aromatic, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp. EVOO, two turns of the pan, over medium to medium-high. Add the fennel, onion, thyme and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are golden and soft, 10 to 12 minutes. Add the liqueur and stir until evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the stock and reduce the heat to low; cover and keep warm.
3. Slice each chicken breast on an angle into 3 medallions. Season the cutlets with salt and pepper. Place the flour on a plate; dredge the chicken, shaking off excess. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp. EVOO, one turn of the pan, over medium-high. Add the butter; when it foams, add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Add the wine, stirring to deglaze and make a sauce.
4. Arrange the chicken medallions on plates and top with some sauce and the fennel mixture. Garnish with the toasted pine nuts.