Chicken With Brandy-Pear Sauce

A relatively simple and flavorful way to make chicken, all in one skillet. The sweetness of the pear is balanced by a good dry cheese; I've listed parmesan but padano is even better. This is a good one to show off your presentation skills; a lemon twist or creatively sliced pear looks great on top.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 2
• Yields: 2 portions

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2  teaspoons olive oil
• 4  chicken breasts
• 2  medium pears, peeled and sliced thin
• 2  teaspoons lemon juice
• 1⁄4 cup onion, minced
• 2  garlic cloves, crushed
• 1⁄2 cup brandy
• 1⁄4 cup chicken broth
• 2  teaspoons honey
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
•  salt
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, coarsely grated
•  pepper

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a skillet on medium-high heat.
2. Cook chicken completely. Remove and set aside, keeping it warm.
3. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet, add pears and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
4. Saute until pears are barely tender, around 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
5. Cook onion and garlic one minute. Add brandy, broth, honey, and thyme.
6. Boil until thickened, around 3-4 minutes. Add pears and heat for 2 more minutes.
7. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Salt and pepper to taste.
8. Sprinkle cheese lightly over chicken breasts, then cover with sauce. Don't drown the chicken.