Chicken-Breast Coq au Vin

Make a bouquet garni: Using a small piece of cheesecloth, wrap 3 garlic cloves, peppercorns, thyme, bay leaf, and parsley stems; tie in a bundle with kitchen twine. Set aside.

Cut chicken into strips about 2 inches long and 3/4 inch wide. In a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Add onions and remaining 3 cloves garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook until golden, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a dish.

Add butter and remaining 1 tablespoon oil to skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook in two batches until browned, about 1 minute per side. Return chicken to skillet. Add cognac and wine; deglaze pan, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in chicken stock and tomato paste. Add bouquet garni. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer, and cook, covered, 15 minutes. Add reserved mushrooms, onions, and garlic; cook 5 minutes more.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken and vegetables to a bowl. Discard bouquet garni. Over high heat, reduce stock by half, about 12 minutes. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon water. Pour mixture into stock, and stir until incorporated. Cook 2 minutes. Return chicken and vegetables to pot, and cook over medium-low heat until warmed through. Chop parsley leaves, and stir into chicken mixture. Serve stew immediately, garnished with thyme.