Impossibly Good Chicken and Simple Mixed Greens Salad

The chicken: not so impossible, and not so good. It was just okay. I most likely won't be making it again, I'm just sayin'. It's a Rachael Ray recipe, and generally speaking I like her recipes. This one, was - well just okay.

Impossibly Good Chicken and Simple Mixed Greens Salad
Servings: 4 (I paired this down for one)

• 5 T Extra virgin olive oil
• 6 6 ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 4 large chunks
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and cut into strips (yah - didn't use the BP)
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 c chicken stock
• 3/4 c heavy cream
• 1/2 pint grape or small cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 c pitted green olives (I used pimiento stuffed ones, because that's what I had on hand)
• 1 T Dijon Mustard
• 3 T Red wine vinegar
• 1 sack of mixed greens
• 2 c fresh basil, torn or chopped
• 2 handfuls fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped

Heat a large, deep skillet on medium high with 2 T oil. Add the chicken to the hot skillet when the oil begins to smoke, then season liberally with salt and pepper.

Brown the chicken on both sides; you are looking for an amber color, about 7 minutes. Add the onions, bell pepper strips, and garlic to the pan and continue to cook for 2 minutes.

Add chicken stock and cream, then bring the sauce to a hard simmer. Simmer for about 4-5 minutes; the stock and cream should reduce and begin to thicken slightly. (Jenn Note: in case you're as patient as I am, try cornstarch. I used it and it thickened right away. -- insert evil grin)

Add the tomatoes and olives next and continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, combine the mustard and vinegar. In a slow steady stream, whisk in the oil. Place the mixed greens in a salad bowl, toss together with the dressing, season with salt and pepper. If you have other vegi's in the fridge, toss them on in. I had some left over asparagus that I had blanched. It tasted great with this.

To finish the chicken, add all the basil and parsley, stirring to distribute.