4 lg. boneless chicken breast halves or 8 sm.
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tbsp. olive or salad oil
2 tbsp. butter
3 tbsp. chopped fresh chives or green onions
Juice of 1/2 lime or lemon
2 tbsp. brandy or cognac (optional)
3 tbsp. chopped parsley
2 tsp. Dijon-style mustard
1/4 c. chicken broth

Place chicken breast halves between sheets of waxed paper or plastic wrap. Pound slightly with mallet. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in large skillet. Cook chicken over high heat for 4 minutes on each side. Do not cook longer or they will be over cooked and dry.

Transfer to warm serving platter. Add chives or green onion, lime juice and brandy, if used, parsley and mustard to pan. Cook 15 seconds, whisking constantly. Whisk in broth. Stir until sauce is smooth. Whisk in remaining butter and oil. Pour sauce over chicken. Serve immediately.

TIP: You can pound chicken breasts flat and leave flattened between sheets of plastic wrap. Wrap them airtight in one package and freeze for later use.