Seared Chicken & Persimmon Pan Sauce

Remove the butter from the refrigerator to soften. Remove the honey from the refrigerator to bring to room temperature. Arrange two oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Cut off and discard the bottom 1/2 inch of the broccoli stem; cut the broccoli into small florets. Place in a large bowl. Grate the cheese on the large side of a box grater. Core and medium dice the persimmon. Roughly chop the pepper. Thoroughly wash your hands, knife, and cutting board immediately after handling. In a bowl, whisk together the demi-glace, vinegar, sugar, and 1/2 cup of warm water, and as much of the chopped pepper as you’d like, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Season with salt and pepper.

Pat the pork dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned pork. Cook 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium (the center may still be slightly pink), or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness.* Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a cutting board and let rest at least 5 minutes. 

*The USDA recommends a minimum safe cooking temperature of 145°F for pork.

Meanwhile, to the bowl of broccoli florets, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and half the spice blend; toss to coat. Reserving the bowl, transfer to a sheet pan and arrange in an even layer. Place on the lower oven rack and roast 14 to 16 minutes, or until browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven.

Meanwhile, generously oil a separate sheet pan. To the reserved bowl, add the biscuit mix, grated cheese, and 1/2 cup of water. Gently stir until just combined (be careful not to overmix). Scoop out 4 equal-sized dollops of biscuit dough and place on the sheet pan. Place on the upper oven rack and bake 14 to 16 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the oven and let stand at least 2 minutes.

In the pan of reserved fond, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the diced persimmon; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the sauce (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes, or until the persimmon is softened and the sauce is thickened. Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired.

Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine the softened butter, honey (kneading the packet before opening), and 1 teaspoon of the remaining spice blend (you will have extra). Season with salt and pepper. Using a fork, mash until thoroughly combined. Slice the rested pork crosswise. Serve the sliced pork with the baked biscuits and roasted broccoli. Top the pork with the finished sauce. Top the biscuits with the honey butter. Enjoy!