PAN-FRIED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH POLENTA AND SALSA

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



Pan-Fried Chicken Breasts With Polenta and Salsa image

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dinner, project

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 1/2 cups instant polenta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup coarsely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 small ripe avocados, skinned and pitted
4 tablespoons lime juice
1 small red onion, finely diced
2 jalapeno or serrano chilies, seeded and minced
2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves plus 4 coriander sprigs
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 large chicken breasts, halved
8 ripe plum tomatoes
4 scallions, finely chopped
2 large heads arugula

Steps:

  • Bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Carefully whisk in the polenta to prevent lumps from forming. Reduce the heat, and continuously stir the mixture until it thickens (just a couple of minutes). Remove from the heat, and stir in the butter and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon into a greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish, and spread evenly with a spatula. Allow to cool. Refrigerate, if making ahead.
  • For the guacamole, puree the avocados with the lime juice in a food processor. Stir in the onion, a quarter to a half of the minced chilies and the coriander leaves. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate, if making ahead.
  • When ready to serve, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pan. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and brown over high heat. Turn, and brown on the other side. Reduce the heat to medium-high, and cook the chicken until it is done, a total of about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, make the salsa. Trim the tomatoes, quarter them and place in the food processor along with the coriander sprigs, scallions and the remaining minced chilies (or less to taste). Process until coarse. Season with salt and pepper.
  • When ready to brown the polenta, preheat the broiler. Turn out the polenta from its dish onto an oiled baking sheet, and place under the hot broiler until the surface begins to puff and brown, 3 to 5 minutes. The polenta can broil while chicken is cooking.
  • In center of a plate, place a pool of salsa. Place the polenta on top of the salsa. Arrange a few arugula leaves on the side; place a piece of chicken on the arugula, and top the chicken with guacamole.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 522, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 37 grams, Fat 29 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 30 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 739 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Elio Carretta
[email protected]

This dish was a bit too spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it. I think it would be perfect for people who like spicy food.


Mohammed jarif
[email protected]

I'm not a huge fan of chicken, but I really enjoyed this dish. The polenta and salsa were so flavorful that they made me forget all about the chicken.


Ejahid hasan
[email protected]

This recipe is a great way to introduce kids to new foods. My kids love the chicken and polenta, and they're always excited to try the different salsas.


Bangla d j
[email protected]

I love that this dish is so versatile. I can use different types of chicken, polenta, and salsa to create different flavor combinations.


Allen Danquah
[email protected]

This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Md Mohan
[email protected]

I'm so glad I found this recipe. It's a new family favorite.


Aphiwe Mxokozeli
[email protected]

This is one of my favorite recipes. I make it all the time.


Dingbulla Mike
[email protected]

I made this dish last night and it was a hit! My family loved it.


Jaya Dilo
[email protected]

5 stars!


M Ayaan
[email protected]

This is a keeper!


Tunnel Beartravel
[email protected]

I'll definitely be making this again.


shawkat hossain
[email protected]

Delicious!


Efe ldahosa
[email protected]

This dish was easy to make and turned out great! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the polenta was creamy and smooth. The salsa was the perfect addition to the dish.


XxzoeygamerxX
[email protected]

I'm not a big fan of polenta, but I really enjoyed this dish. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the polenta was creamy and flavorful. The salsa was also very good.


Ssimbwa Andrew
[email protected]

This was a great recipe! The chicken was flavorful and moist, and the polenta was creamy and smooth. The salsa was a bit spicy for my taste, but I still enjoyed it.


Idil faarax Hasan
[email protected]

I made this dish for my family and they loved it! The chicken was juicy and tender, and the polenta was creamy and cheesy. The salsa was the perfect complement to the dish.


Imantha Production
[email protected]

This dish was absolutely delicious! The chicken was perfectly cooked and the polenta was creamy and flavorful. The salsa added a nice touch of heat and spice. I would definitely make this dish again.