Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 lb / 500 g)
2 - 3 firm, ripe pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
3 Tbsp (45 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 Tbsp (15 mL) butter
3 Tbsp (45 mL) finely chopped onion
1 tsp (5 mL) sugar
2 Tbsp (30 mL) toasted pine nuts
2/3 cup (150 mL) heavy cream, 35 %
1 1/2 tsp (7 mL) minced fresh thyme
1/2 cup (125 mL) dry white wine
1 cup (250 mL) chicken stock
pomegranate seeds (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven 375 °F (180 °C). Using a sharp knife and starting at the side of each breast, slice the breasts almost in two. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
2. Put pears in a bowl and toss with lemon juice. Drain. In a non-stick skillet, melt a bit of butter over medium heat. Add the pears and onion and stir, cooking for 1 - 2 minutes or just until soft. Add the sugar and continue cooking for 2 - 3 minutes or just until the pears and onions are lightly carmelized.
3. Set aside 12 pear slices for garnish. Coarsly chop the remaining pears, and place them in a bowl. Add the carmelized onions, pine nuts, 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) ream and thyme. season with salt and pepper. Gently mix and cool.
4. Open the chicken breasts and put, smooth side down, on a cutting board. Using a spoon, put the pear mixture onto the center of each breast. Fold the breast around the stuffing and tie with string.
5. In the skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and brown, turning carefully, for 1 - 2 minutes per side. Put the breasts side by side in an oven-proof casserole dish and bake for 12 - 15 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the chicken reads 170 °F (77 °C).
6. In the meantime, heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the wine and stir cook until reduced by about half. Add the chicken stock and boil for 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup (125 ml) cream and simmer for 3 - 4 minutes or just until thickened. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm.
7. To serve, slice the chicken breasts on an angle and place on the plates. Garnish with the reserved pear slices and pomegranate seeds and serve with the white wine sauce.
Advices:
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