Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Pesto Gravy & Greens

I know for a fact that I have mentioned twice in this blog a chicken dish with pesto gravy that J makes. Both times I mentioned it were the only two times he made it. It's a healthy dish that has just a touch of creamy pesto gravy that keeps you satisfied. He found it in a Rachael Ray book.

Anyway, J made it last night for some friends that were in town, and I made some boxed mashed red potatoes as a side. Almond Joy brownie for dessert. (Though it baked unevenly.)

 Balsamic Chicken with Pesto Gravy and Bitter Greens (Rachael Ray)

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 bunches arugula, thoroughly washed
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Parmigiano Reggiano shavings
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1/3 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/4 cup homemade or store-bought pesto

Heat a large skillet over high heat with a little drizzle of EVOO. Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using the bottom of a heavy pot or small sauté pan, give each chicken breast a good smack to make them even thinner. Peel back the top layer of plastic wrap and drizzle the balsamic vinegar over top and season with a little salt and pepper.

Transfer the chicken to the hot sauté pan, seasoned-side down, and cook on each side for about 2 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, combine the arugula, with the juice of half a lemon, a drizzle of EVOO and a little bit of salt in a bowl. Remove chicken from the skillet and reserve on a plate while you make the sauce.

To the sauté pan add butter and melt. Add flour and cook for about a minute or so. Whisk in chicken stock and cream and bring up to a simmer to thicken. Remove from heat and add the pesto to the skillet. Stir to combine. Pour pesto gravy over the chicken and then top with the arugula. With a peeler shave some Parmigiano over the greens, season with a little salt and pepper and toss to coat.

Almond Joy Brownies

The simplest way to make this? Purchase a fudge brownie mix and mix the batter with the ingrdients. Before baking chop up a large Almond Joy bar (or five or six little Almond Joy candies) and sprinkle on top. Bake as directed and eat up!