Friday, May 24, 2013

2937. MAPLE-DIJON CHICKEN with BACON COUSCOUS

serves four


1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 slices bacon, diced
4 (4- to 5-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
1 shallot, peeled and minced
1 1/4 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup pearl (Israeli) couscous
1 tablespoon parsley, freshly chopped
2 teaspoons cider vinegar

In a small bowl, whisk the mustard, maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet cook the bacon over medium heat until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of fat from skillet and return pan to medium-high heat until fat shimmers. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until golden brown and meat registers 160 degrees, about 6 minutes per side. Transfer to platter, brush with mustard mixture, and tent loosely with aluminum foil. (You might not use all of the mustard mixture depending on the size of the chicken breasts.

Add shallot to now-empty skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 3 minutes. Add broth and bring to simmer. Stir in couscous, cover, and cook over low heat about 10 minutes. Stir cooked bacon, parsley and vinegar into couscous. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve couscous and chicken with any remaining Dijon sauce on the side.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Detroit Free Press, 615 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226, March 3, 2013; adapted from Cook's Country Magazine, January 2013

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