Chicken with Cherries and Onions

Keith's Recipes

Chicken Dinner with Caramelized Onions and Cherries

So, I'd been looking at a ten pound box of cherries a friend of mine brought down from her family's orchard up near Kalispel, and trying to figure out what to do with them other than eat them a handful at a time.

I started going through the pantry and the refrigerator to see what I could cook for dinner, when it struck me that chicken should be good with cherries. So, here's the recipe...

Chicken with Cherries and Onions

Serves 2-3

• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Butter
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion
• 1 Tbsp. Sugar
• 2 Cloves Garlic
• 1/2 tsp. Salt
• 1/2 tsp. Thyme Leaves
• 1/2 tsp. Basil Leaves
• 1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 lb. Chicken Breast
• Salt
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Thyme Leaves
• 1 c. Fresh Cherries
• Parsley Flakes

Part 1; Onions

Mince the garlic. Slice the onion very thin.

Melt the butter in a heavy medium skillet until it starts to bubble, but not long enough to start to brown. Stir in onion slices, sugar, garlic, salt, thyme, basil and red pepper flakes.

Cook over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently until onions start to caramelize. Set aside, but keep warm.

Part 2; Chicken

Trim chicken and cut into serving-sized pieces, if necessary.

Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet. when oil is hot enough for a water droplet to dance across the surface, place chicken breasts in skillet. Season with additional salt, red pepper flakes, and thyme to taste. Turn chicken and season other side with salt, red pepper flakes, and thyme.

Cook chicken over medium heat, turning as necessary, making sure to cook thoroughly.

Part 3; Putting It Together

When chicken is very nearly done, add onions and cherries. Stir. Let continue cooking over medium-low heat for about three minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.

Part 4; Serving

Serve one chicken breast per person, with cherries and onions on the side.

Serve with rice and a rich summer or autumn vegetable.