Greetings, Chicken, and Tomatoes

Greetings!

As my sister has pointed out, this summer our family intends to cook much more frequently than ever before.  Although in the past cooking has never taken up much of my time, I wish to develop my skills in hopes that I will be able to enjoy better food, more frequently.  Whilst navigating an eventful summer, I still hope to find time to prepare and enjoy good food.

For my first attempt, I chose to make a chicken dish, with pan-roasted tomatoes, served with orzo and green beans.  I am not a very big fan of plain meat, especially not a steak, and normally select chicken or pasta as my meal of choice.  With my pasta or chicken, I enjoy many different sauces and flavors that go with it, including that of the juices of pan-roasted tomatoes.  This dish can be served with pasta, as I chose to do, with rice, or even on it's own.  

Chicken with Herb-Roasted Tomatoes and Pan Sauce

• 1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes or other small tomatoes on the vine
• 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons herbes de Provence
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 3 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine tomatoes, 2 tablespoons oil, and herbes de Provence in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy ovenproof skillet until oil shimmers. Carefully add tomatoes to pan (oil may spatter). Transfer skillet to oven and roast, turning once, until tomatoes burst and give up some of their juices, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and drizzle with Worcestershire sauce.
Meanwhile, season chicken all over with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, 6–8 minutes. Transfer pan to oven and roast chicken until cooked through, 8–10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for at least 5 minutes.
Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to same skillet; heat over medium heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Deglaze pan with vinegar, scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan; add tomatoes and their juices and simmer until sauce is just beginning to thicken, about 1 minute. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
Slice chicken; divide among plates. Spoon tomatoes and sauce over; garnish with herbs.

- Noah