8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 (2 1/2-3 lb) chicken, cut up
soft and freshly ground cracked black pepper
1 cup minced shallots OR yellow onion (about 5 medium shallots OR 1 onion)
8 ounces fresh brown (crimini) mushrooms, wiped clean with a dry cloth and thickly sliced
1 cup thinly sliced leeks
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1 cup medium dry madeira
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

warm 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a deep, heavy-bottomed, lidded skillet that will hold the chicken in one layer. season the chicken well with salt and pepper. when the butter is hot, add chicken to the pan. saute, turning frequently, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes, and remove it to a warm platter.

add the shallots and saute, tossing frequently, until golden, about 5 minutes. add the mushrooms and saute until they are beginning to color, about 2 minutes. add the leeks and sage and saute until fragrant.j

add the madeira, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan, and bring it to a boil. add the broth, bring back to a boil, and return the chicken to the pan. reduce the heat to a slow simmer and cook gently until the chicken is tender. about 20 minutes longer.

remove the chicken to a warm platter. raise the heat to medium high, add the cream, and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly reduced. knead the flour into the remaining butter and add it in bits, stirring constantly. simmer until thickened, about 4 minutes longer, and stir in the green onion. turn off the heat, pour the sauce over the chicken, and serve immediately.

4 servings