Chicken Bourbon
Courtesy of House of Raeford

8 frozen, boneless skinless chicken breast halves, about 3 lbs., thawed
4 Tbsp. flour
4 Tbsp. butter
4 Tbsp. shallots, minced
2 medium pears, finely chopped
4 c. oyster mushrooms, chopped
4 Tbsp. bourbon or whiskey
2 c. dry white wine
2 c. chicken broth
1/2 tsp. salt, divided
1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper, divided
6 Tbsp. toasted walnuts, chopped

Instead of preparing dish in 2 batches, you will get better results if you work 2 pans simultaneously; divide ingredients between pans.

Lay chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/4-inch thickness. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour, patting off excess.

In 2 large skillets over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons butter in each pan until melted. Add chicken, 4 halves per pan, and cook until nicely browned on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Remove chicken and set aside until needed.
Reduce heat to low, divide shallots and pear between pans, sautéing for 2 minutes. Then add mushrooms to each and sauté for 2 minutes. Divide bourbon, Chardonnay and chicken broth between pans, increase heat to high and let sauce boil until slightly thickened and reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Return chicken to sauce, reduce heat to low and simmer until chicken is firm and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Season with remaining salt and pepper to taste. Place each chicken breast on a plate and divide sauce among them. Sprinkle with walnuts and serve immediately.

Yield: 8 servings

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