Chicken Breasts Creole Style

Directions

1. 1
   Place half a chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap.
2. 2
   Pound lightly to a thickness of one-quarter inch with a flat mallet or meat pounder.
3. 3
   Repeat with the remaining halves.
4. 4
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet.
5. 5
   Add the onions, green peppers, celery, garlic and bay leaf.
6. 6
   Cook, stirring, until the onions become transparent.
7. 7
   Add the paprika, the tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8
   Stir well.
9. 9
   Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes.
10. 10
    Add the Worcestershire sauce and the hot-pepper sauce.
11. 11
    Simmer until the sauce is reduced, about 5 minutes.
12. 12
    Set aside.
13. 13
    Meanwhile, sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
14. 14
    Heat the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken breasts until golden on one side, about 4 minutes.
15. 15
    Turn the pieces and cook for 4 minutes more or until done.
16. 16
    Be careful not to overcook.
17. 17
    Add the vinegar, water or chicken broth, cover, bring to a boil, and simmer for 2 minutes.
18. 18
    Remove the bay leaf.
19. 19
    Keep warm.
20. 20
    To serve, divide the creole sauce among 4 serving plates.
21. 21
    Place the chicken breasts over the sauce and pour the gravy from the skillet over them.
22. 22
    Sprinkle with parsley.