Tuscan Pancetta Chicken Breast in Garlic Cream Sauce
A comforting chicken dish featuring pancetta and a creamy garlic sauce, perfect for impressing family or guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Paleo
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, split and pounded to 1/4” thickness
- Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 ounces diced pancetta
- 1 shallot, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or dry vermouth
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts and slice each breast in half lengthwise.
- Pound the chicken: Place the chicken cutlets between plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Pound each cutlet to a thickness of 1/4” using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of each chicken cutlet with coarse kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Cook the pancetta: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the diced pancetta and cook until crisp.
- Cook the chicken: In the same pan, add the seasoned chicken cutlets and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Sauté shallots: Reduce heat and add the diced shallot to the pan. Cook until slightly translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the wine, scraping up brown bits. Cook until most liquid has evaporated.
- Make the sauce: Add chicken stock, heavy cream, thyme, and pancetta. Stir to combine.
- Simmer and combine: Return the chicken to the pan. Simmer until sauce thickens and chicken reaches 165°F.
- Finish with butter: Stir in cubed butter until melted. Serve warm.
Notes
Ensure even cooking by pounding the chicken cutlets uniformly. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.