Ingredients

  • For the Mushroom Ragout
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon shallot, chopped
  • 1 cup shiitake mushroom, sliced
  • 4 plum tomatoes, quartered and skinned
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon
  • fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the Sauteed Chicken Breasts
  • 4 (4 ounce) boneless skinless chicken cutlets
  • salt, to taste
  • fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil

Method

  • For the Mushroom Ragout:
  • The mushroom ragout can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the shallots and cook until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
  • Turn the heat to medium-high, add the mushrooms and saute 2 minutes more.
  • Add the tomatoes, tarragon, salt and pepper.
  • Heat thoroughly. (If using canned tomatoes, simmer for 30 minutes to reduce the acidic taste.)
  • Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
  • For the Sauteed Chicken Breasts:
  • Generously season the breasts with salt and pepper.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a pan large enough to accomodate all the breasts.
  • Saute the breasts for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, turning only once. (Thin breasts will take less time, thicker breasts more.)
  • Serve the chicken with the mushroom ragout spooned over and around the breasts.