Fresh chard is a great cooking green, but it has a bit of a chew so be sure to chop it into small pieces. Spinach is a bit more tender and works well here, too, so feel free to substitute if you prefer.
2boneless skinless chicken breastsabout 1/2 pound total, pounded to an even thickness
Black pepper
For the Greens
1 slice thick cut baconsliced into 1/2 inch pieces
1large leekwhite and tender green parts, sliced (see note)
2clovesof garlicminced
1poundfresh chard2 bunches, ribs removed and leaves chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1teaspoonkosher salt
1/4cupchopped fresh parsley
juice from 1 lemon
Instructions
Marinate the chicken: the lemon zest, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, juice, salt and chicken in a resealable bag. Squish it around to coat the chicken and let it marinate while the greens cook.
Cook the greens: Cook the bacon over medium heat in a large pot. Once it's rendered it's fat, add the sliced leek. Cook the leek for a minute or so in the bacon fat. Add the garlic and chard (depending on the size of your pot you may need to add the chard in batches). Let the greens cook, stirring frequently until the chard is wilted and cooked down. Reduce the heat to medium-low and keep an eye on the greens while you grill the chicken.
Cook the chicken: Heat the other 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about five minutes on both sides, or until cooked through (internal temperature should be 165 degrees). Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and season with black pepper. While the chicken rests, finish the greens. Add the fresh lemon juice to the greens and stir. Serve with the chicken.
For the Greens
Notes
Leeks can be a little gritty, so be sure to slice it open and rinse the layers to remove any grit that might be hiding inside.