Butter Cream Chicken

For those of you who have been to The Cheesecake Factory, this chicken tastes a lot like their chicken bellagio, minus the prosciutto on top. It is delicious! This was our somewhat fancy Sunday dinner, and I have to say, everyone was very happy :) Thanks to Jamie at Jamie Cooks It Up! for the recipe!4 chicken breasts
1 1/2 sleeves Ritz Cracker, ground into crumbs
Olive Oil
1 C chicken broth
4 T butter
1 C + 2 T half and half, divided
1/2 t thyme, dried
2 T cornstarch
salt and pepper

1. Cut your chicken up into chunks with some kitchen scissors. I usually cut each breast into thirds or sometimes fourths depending on the size of the breast.
2. Place your chicken into a gallon sized ziploc bag and seal the bag. Pound the chicken flat with a meat mallet.
3. Grind the Ritz Crackers into crumbs in a small food processor. Place them in a shallow pan, I find a loaf pan to work best for this step.
4. Press each chicken piece into the crumbs, being sure to coat both sides generously. Place each coated chicken piece on a plate.
5. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Once it is good and hot, pour about 5 tablespoons Olive Oil into your pan.
6. Let your oil heat up just for 30 seconds or so, and then put the chicken carefully in the pan. Don't crowd it now. You'll need to cook the chicken in two batches.
7. Let the chicken cook until it's nice and golden brown on the bottom, should take about 3-4 minutes. Turn each piece with a fork and allow it to cook on the other side. The chicken is done when it's no longer pink inside.
8. Remove the chicken to a separate plate and cook your second batch of chicken, adding another few tablespoons of oil to the pan before you add the chicken.
9. Once you have cooked all of the chicken you'll have some beautiful crispy treasures left in the pan. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 cup chicken broth to the pan allowing the butter to melt. Whisk the mixture around a bit, scraping the bottom of the pan to break the crispy pieces loose.
10. Add 1 cup half and half and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. Whisk it around to incorporate and allow it to come to a boil.
11. Into a small bowl pour 2 tablespoons half and half and 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Stir it around until smooth.
12. Pour the cornstarch mixture into your pan and stir it with a whisk. Allow it to return to a boil...as it heats it will thicken into a nice smooth sauce.
13. Remove it from the heat, give it a taste and add a bit of salt and pepper to you liking.
14. Serve it over the crispy chicken and enjoy!