Garlic Chicken with Pumpkin Seed-Sage Crust over Rutabaga Mash and Lemon Swiss Chard

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and, if very thick, slice them horizontally for an even thickness.

2. 2

   Place the rutabaga in a pot with cold water and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to medium heat, and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until very tender.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, chop the pumpkin seeds to a coarse texture, not a powder. Mix them in a bowl with 2 minced garlic cloves, the sage, sweet paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

4. 4

   Rub the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Press the pumpkin seed and sage mixture onto the top of each breast.

5. 5

   Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear the chicken for 2 minutes on the side without the crust. Carefully flip so the crust faces up and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 10 to 12 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove and rest for 5 minutes.

6. 6

   While the chicken roasts, heat 1 tablespoon butter in another large skillet over medium heat. Add the Swiss chard stems and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds.

7. 7

   Add the Swiss chard leaves, 15 ml / 1 tablespoon lemon juice, half of the lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until wilted and keep warm.

8. 8

   Drain the cooked rutabaga very well and return it to the hot pot for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture. Add the heavy cream, 1 tablespoon butter, the remaining lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mash until creamy with a rustic texture.

9. 9

   Serve a bed of rutabaga mash on each plate, top with the pumpkin seed crusted chicken, and add the lemon Swiss chard on the side. Spoon over any resting juices from the chicken if desired before serving.