Basque-Style Chicken Fast

Snagged this one for both cold & warm weather fare. Plan to serve hot in winter & more room temp in summer. Food & Drink Weekly editors listed their Top Picks of 2008 – this recipe which they claim can be on the table done in 35 minutes made the cut. It was devised by the retiring former Test Kitchen director Donna Deane. Give the breasts a three-minute pan fry until they’re nearly done, and then in the same pan make a quick Basque-style sauce — tomatoes and olives and herbs, slightly smoky pancetta. It’s all fantastic with the perfectly cooked chicken breasts that are so tender the meat is almost silky. Note: From test kitchen director Donna Deane. Espelette pepper is available at specialty food stores. Substitute in smoked paprika or even cayenne if needed. You can substitute canned San Marzano tomatoes for fresh tomatoes.