Shelly's Recipe

Roasted Chicken with Garlic-Sherry Sauce

Category: Chicken

2 quarts water
1/2 cup salt
4 bone-in chicken breast halves (12 ounces each)
3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 teaspoons canola oil
8 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup sherry or additional reduced-sodium chicken broth
3 fresh thyme sprigs
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 teaspoon lemon juice

1.For brine, in a large saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Cook and stir until salt is dissolved. Remove from the heat; cool to room temperature.

2.Place a large heavy-duty resealable plastic bag inside a second large resealable plastic bag; add chicken. Carefully pour cooled brine into bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible; seal bags and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours, turning several times.

3.Drain and discard brine. Rinse chicken with cold water; pat dry. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a large ovenproof skillet, brown chicken in oil over medium heat.

4.Bake, uncovered, at 400 for 20-25 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 170. Remove chicken and keep warm. Drain drippings, reserving 1 tablespoon.
5.In the drippings, saute garlic for 1 minute. Add the broth, sherry or additional broth and thyme. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Discard thyme. Stir in the butter, lemon juice and remaining pepper. Serve with chicken.

Serves 4