Merry Edwards Wines - - 888.388.9050 - - Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs

Chicken Valentine

We had several friends over to dinner of Valentine’s Day and I was inspired to create this new dish for the occasion. It’s great with our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir!

3.5 lbs. skinless/boneless chicken breasts

5 medium cloves garlic, mashed

3 T. olive oil

A pinch fresh ground pepper

1 t. tarragon

½ t. thyme

½ t. marjoram

½ c. chicken broth

½ c. Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc or white wine

1 c. pitted Calamatta olives

3 oz pancetta, 1/8 inch thick, cut into 1” pieces

Cut chicken into pieces about 3x3 inches in size. Place pieces in a shallow baking dish so that they touch each other & fill the pan. Coat chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic, pepper and herbs. Turn chicken pieces and rub seasonings onto all surfaces. Allow it to marinade for a least one hour at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator. Place in 375°F oven and roast for 20 minutes. Add pancetta, tucking between pieces of chicken and roast for another 20 minutes. Add the chicken broth, wine & olives and continue baking until chicken is tender when pierced with a fork – about 30 minutes more. You might accompany this with fresh asparagus and wild rice. Serves six – Enjoy!