Ingredients

• 1/4 cup coarse salt
• 4 cups water
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
• 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons brandy or 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

1. In a non-reactive bowl, mix the salt and water until dissolved. Add the chicken and allow to brine for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Remove the chicken from the brine, rinse under cool running water, and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Pour the flour into a shallow dish and roll each breast into the flour, patting gently to lightly coat. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. In a heavy 12-inch skillet, heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat; swirling to mix and cook until the butter begins to brown lightly.

4. Lay the chicken breasts in pan and cook, undisturbed, until brown, about 5 minutes. Turn the chicken pieces over and cook on second side, undisturbed, an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and place in warm oven while making the sauce.

5. Add the chicken stock to the skillet, scraping to release any brown bits. Boil until reduced to 1 cup. This should take 8 to 10 minutes.

6. Add the cherries and vinegar; boil until spoon scraped across the bottom of the pan leaves a visible path in sauce, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in chocolate and brandy.

7. Plate the chicken on serving plates and spoon the sauce over. Sit back and enjoy with a green side salad.