Chicken with Pappardelle & Balsamic Reduction

INGREDIENTS 

1 1/2 lb          Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breast tenders
4 strips           Thick smoked bacon, diced
1 large           onion, thinly sliced 
8 oz                Wild mushrooms, sliced 
1 stem            Fresh thyme, stem discarded
1/4 cup           INFUSED Pomegranate Dark Balsamic Vinegar
2 TBSP          INFUSED Wild Mushroom-Sage Olive Oil
1/2 cup           heavy cream
To Taste         Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 lb                 Pappardelle pasta or wide egg noodle pasta, cooked and drained

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, render the diced bacon until crispy.  Remove from the pan and reserve.   

Season chicken liberally with salt and pepper.    Drain bacon fat from pan, then add INFUSED Mushroom & Sage Olive Oil. Heat for one minute before adding chicken. Brown chicken in batches until golden on all sides. Do not crowd pan. Remove chicken and reserve.

Add onions to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until onions are soft and brown.   Add mushrooms and saute for approximately 3 minutes over medium high heat until the mushrooms are browned and slightly caramelized.

Add the fresh thyme leaves and INFUSED Pomegranate Dark Balsamic Vinegar. Deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Cook to reduce for a minute.  Add the cream, then reserved bacon and chicken.  Cook for 5 minutes to thicken sauce and insure that chicken tenders are cooked through. 

Adjust seasoning. Serve over pasta.