Our weekend turned out very special because we got to make a dish from a favorite chef of mine, Phillis Carey.
Phillis used to teach at a local Gelson's supermarket in Calabasas. I took one of her classes and fell in love with her cooking and her teaching style. I remember the class was all about Chicken Breasts. Boy this lady is dynamo! She made 4 dinner entrees (stuffed chicken, 2 sauteed chicken dishes with sauce, and a stir fry) and a dessert. This was an illustration class so we got to sit back and watch and learn. MAN! This chef can cook! She whipped up the four dishes, and we ate every one, and the dessert in under 2 hours. In addition to that she is like having your very own "Google". She is so full or tips and advise that I don't think I've learned more about cooking from any other chef.
That was the beginning of an indepth period of learning for me. I took every class she offered and learned, studied, and cooked my way through her recipes, longing for more. Then when the we had the recession and Gelson's closed their cooking school. That's been quite a while now, and the last time I saw Phillis.
So about a month ago I happened to be itching for a class again and started looking at the Westlake Culinary Institute which also holds classes. Low and behold I found that Phillis was teaching there now. I felt like I had died and gone to heaven! She was back...and I was going to be there!
Today's recipe is called Greek Chicken Breasts with Fresh Dill and Feta Cheese. This recipe was one of my favorites from the class so I was eager to try it first.
Oh boy, the flavors are excellent! Again Phillis has said that if you don't care for chicken, use pork chops, or even a steak. The marinade and cooking techniques stay the same except for the cooking time. If you don't care for feta, change it to a different cheese such as blue cheese, queso fresca, or ricotta salata then change out the fresh dill to tarragon or thyme or even oregano. All will work well.
Easily cooked on an indoor or outdoor grill this dish will please everyone at the dinner table.
Enjoy!
Greek Chicken Breasts with Fresh Dill and Feta Cheese
serves 8
source: Phillis Carey
8 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup olive oil
3 T fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 T. Dijon mustard
3 T minced fresh dill
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste
3/4 cup crumbled sheep's milk feta cheese
Trim the chicken and pound to an even 1/2 inch thickness. Place chicken in a casserole dish. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, dill and pepper. pour over the chicken, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 3 hours.
Preheat grill. Remove chicken from marinade and season well with salt. Grill chicken breast side down first for 4 minutes. Turn chicken over and top with feta cheese. Grill chicken, with the top down, another 4 to 5 minutes or until cooked through and feta has softened a bit. Serve.
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