Crispy Frico Chicken Breasts With Mushrooms And Thyme Recipes

CRISPY-SKIN CHICKEN BREASTS WITH WARM MUSHROOM SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Season the chicken all over with salt, pepper, smoked paprika and the lemon zest.
• In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet skin-side down. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the skin is browned and crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken skin-side up to the prepared baking sheet. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of one breast registers 155 degrees F, about 20 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. (The internal temperature will rise to about 165 degrees F during resting.)
• Meanwhile, in the same skillet, melt the butter with the rendered chicken fat over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large bowl and tent with foil.
• In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, shallot, mustard, thyme and honey together. Gradually whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil; season the dressing with salt and pepper.
• Transfer the mushrooms to a serving bowl. Add half the dressing and mix well. Add the spinach and arugula and the remaining dressing and toss to coat. Transfer the salad and chicken to a platter. Serve with the lemon wedges.

CRISPY THYME CHICKEN WITH MUSHROOM SAUCE

Steps:

• Set the oven to a moderate temperature (160C-180C/gas 3-4). Rub chicken with a little oil and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Strip the leaves from six of the thyme sprigs and sprinkle them evenly over the chicken. Lightly dust with flour (this helps crisp the chicken).
• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan, add the chicken skin side down and fry for 5 minutes without moving it. Then continue cooking for a further 10-15 minutes, turning regularly, until the chicken is tender and the skin crisp and browned. Remove to a plate and keep warm in the oven.
• Drain almost all the oil from the pan. Add the garlic and mushrooms and cook over a high heat, tossing the mushrooms until they start to soften. Stir in the cream, the remaining thyme sprigs, and season. Simmer for a few minutes until the mushrooms are cooked, then serve with the chicken. New potatoes, and a simple green salad of Little Gems and rocket leaves lightly dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, are the perfect accompaniment.