Chicken Breasts with Leeks and Pine Nuts

Cooked in butter until soft, leeks have a savory edge that's delicious with a buttery white wine, like Chardonnay (see our 7 Rules for Perfect Pairing). Pork chops or a pork tenderloin would also be nice here.

3 tablespoons pine nuts
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Four 6-ounce chicken breast halves, with skin
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 medium leeks, white and tender green parts only, halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick
2 medium shallots, thinly sliced
1 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons

Preheat the oven to 300°. In a skillet, toast the pine nuts over moderately high heat, stirring, until golden brown, 2 minutes. Transfer to a small plate.
In the same skillet, heat the oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet skin side down. Cook, turning once and pressing with a spatula, until browned on both sides, about 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken breasts to a large rimmed baking sheet and bake in the oven until just white throughout, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the leeks and shallots to the skillet and cook over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, 7 minutes. Add the wine, increase the heat to high and boil until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add the stock and boil until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Off the heat, swirl in the butter 1 tablespoon at a time. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to plates. Pour the sauce over, garnish with the pine nuts and serve.

Suggested Pairing

A buttery Chardonnay from Oregon pairs nicely with this dish.