Chicken Breasts: From Ashy to Classy

Need to impress your lady/guy friend? Trying to woo a potential lady/guy friend? Or just want to be good to yourself? Show them you can make a whole meal. That's right, we're talking protein, grains, AND vegetables on a plate. Separately. Maybe even go buy some fresh bread, WHO KNOWS?? She won't get angry with you next time you insist on having a full glass of water next to your bed like you do every night, and then proceed to take 2 sips. He won't get angry with you the next time you plan out his saturday 3 weeks in advance. Food brings harmony to all.

For the record, I made this meal for myself. I was woo'ed. Didn't even need another date to express myself.

The other considerable woo factor of this meal is the cherry tomatoes. These oh' sweet nuthins are anything but.



What you need:

- Chicken cutlets: 1.5 lbs. thinly sliced
- Cherry tomatoes: About half a container, cut in half
- Shallots: a few, sliced up
- Broccoli, or any other vegetable you want
- Garlic: a few cloves, sliced up
- Flour
- Balsamic Vinegar: a healthy dose
- Chicken broth (optional)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Some kind of rice and seasoning, I used a box of Near East Rice Pilaf (because we can't make EVERYTHING)




Here's the deal:

1. First you want to pat your chicken breasts dry and coat them in flour. This may seem like a pointless step, but it helps crisp up your chicken and and gives some GOLDEN BROWN HUES. You will see the difference and be happy you did it. Mix in plenty of salt, pepper, and any kind of seasoning you have around, like a little dried rosemary, basil,  or oregano. If you don't have these don't worry, most of the flavor will come from the sauce.



Throw in some olive and a couple tablespoons of butter in your frying pan and get the heat cranking pretty high. The key for GOLDEN BROWN HUES is a hot pan.

2. While your chicken is browning, cut up your garlic, shallots, and tomatoes.

Depending how thick your chickens are, you probably want to cook them about 5-7 minutes per side. Once they are done, take the chicken out of the pan and put aside. It's time for flavor juice.

3. Add in your garlic and shallots, let them cook a few minutes to start looking nice. Next, add in your tomatoes. With the pan still hot, throw in your balsamic vinegar. Stand back, and soak in the balsamic heaven in your kitchen. 

You are almost done. After a minute or so the vinegar will cook down to more of a gravy type consistency. You can add in some chicken broth here if you want more sauce, but you don't want too much liquid. Bring your chicken back to the pan to mix it around and absorb sauce. Does this make you hungry ->>>

Final Step: Put this whole chicken tomato love fest on a pan ready for the oven. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top if you prefer things covered in cheese. It would be totally acceptable here. Put in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. While the chicken is in the oven, pan fry or steam your broccoli. I mix in some soy/rice vinegar for the broccoli, but you could just eat them as is.

This is a meal you will want to have the leftovers for days, so be good to yourself and buy plenty of chicken. It's simple, but good. Happy woo'ing.