Chicken Marengo (Gluten-Free)

Ingredients

• 3 large chicken breasts
• Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium sweet onion, sliced
• 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, seeded and thickly sliced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 8 oz mushrooms, quartered or thickly sliced
• 2 small Roma/pear-shaped tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth, divided
• 1 tsp thyme leaves
• 2 tbsp cold butter, cut into small pieces (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cut each chicken breast horizontally in half slicing...: Cut each chicken breast horizontally in half slicing along the thick edge, creating two thinner slices from each breast (see photo above). Season the chicken with salt and pepper; set aside.

2. 2

   In a large skillet, heat the oil over...: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining chicken pieces; add those pieces to the first batch and set aside.

3. 3

   Add the onions and bell peppers to the...: Add the onions and bell peppers to the same skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until softened. (I wanted a chunky sauce so sliced mine - my vegetables took about 10 minutes to cook.) Stir the tomato paste into the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. 4

   Add the mushrooms and tomatoes and cook another...: Add the mushrooms and tomatoes and cook another minute, stirring often. Add in 1/2 cup of the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Let the liquid reduce for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the thyme leaves and stir in the remaining chicken broth and bring to a low boil.

5. 5

   Return the chicken breasts along with any accumulated...: Return the chicken breasts along with any accumulated juices to the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is heated through. Transfer chicken to warmed serving plates. You can give big eaters two pieces of chicken, those with small tummies will be happy with one.

6. 6

   Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk...: Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in the butter until smooth and fully melted (leave butter out for Dairy-Free). Spoon some of the sauce and vegetables over each piece of chicken. Serve immediately.