Bistro Chicken & Garlic

Ingredients:

• 1 blub garlic
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 1/4 tsp. dried basil
• 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp. dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup dry white whine or dry vermouth

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Separate cloves and garlic, discarding small papery cloves in the center. Trim off stem end of each garlic clove but do not peel. (This will facilitate squeezing garlic from peel after it is cooked.)
2. In an oven proof skillet, heat olive oil aver medium-high heat. Add garlic cloves and chicken. Cook about 4 minutes or until chicken is lightly browned, turning chicken and stirring garlic cloves. Sprinkle chicken with basil, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper; transfer skillet to the oven. Bake, covered, for 12-15 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink and garlic is tender.
3. Using a slotted spatula, transfer chicken to a serving platter, reserving juices in skillet; cover and keep warm. Transfer garlic cloves to a small bowl; set aside for 1-2 minutes to cool slightly.
4. add vermouth or white wine to skillet. Squeeze softened garlic from skins to skillet; discard skins. On range top, bring garlic mixture to boiling over medium heat; reduce heat. Simmer gently, uncovered, about 6 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly, stirring frequently. Pour garlic sauce over chicken. If desired, garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the New Sonoma Cookbook. This is what I like to call French Bistro at it's best. Who says you have to go out for really good bistro food when you can enjoy it at home? There's nothing like roasted garlic on chicken, beef, or pork. The combination of roasted garlic and dry white wine is so heavenly. I really like the sauce with the herb-crusted chicken. Garlic is a strong herb with a rich history. Ancient Egyptians ate it for strength while medieval healers believed it could scare off vampires. In today's world, garlic is recommended to fight off cancer with the antioxidant allicin. Other health benefits of garlic include reducing blood pressure and improving cholesterol. This dinner can be enjoyed any day of the week and will quickly fill you up and leave you happy. I highly recommend using Garlic or Rosemary Infused Olive Oil from the Imperial Olive for an authentic bistro taste. For more information, visit www.TheImperialOlive.com.