Chicken Cutlets with Porcini Sauce

1/2 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
4 (6-8 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 small shallot, minced
1/4 cup dry vermouth
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled
1/2 teaspoon fresh time, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice

1. Rinse mushrooms in large bowl of cold water, agitating them with hands to release dirt and sand. Let dirt and sand settle in bottom of bowl, then lift mushrooms from water and transfer to microwave-safe 2-cup measuring cup. Add chicken broth, submerging mushrooms beneath surface of liquid. Microwave on high power 1 minute, until broth is steaming. Stand 10 minutes. Using tongs, gently lift porcini out of broth and transfer to cutting board, reserving broth. Chop porcini into ¾-inch pieces and transfer to medium bowl. Strain broth through fine-mesh strainer lined with large coffee filter into bowl with chopped porcini.

2. Combine ¼ cup flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in pie plate. Working one piece at a time, dredge chicken in flour, shaking gently to remove excess. Set aside on plate.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until smoking. Place 4 cutlets in skillet and cook without moving until browned, about 2 minutes. Flip cutlets and continue to cook until second sides are opaque, 15 to 20 seconds. Transfer to large plate. Add 1 tablespoon oil to now-empty skillet and repeat to cook remaining cutlets. Tent plate loosely with foil.

4. Add remaining teaspoon oil to now-empty skillet and return pan to medium heat. Add shallot and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 30 seconds. Add remaining teaspoon flour and cook, whisking constantly, 30 seconds. Increase heat to medium-high and whisk in vermouth, soaked porcini and their liquid, tomato paste, soy sauce, and sugar. Simmer until reduced to 1 cup, 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Transfer cutlets and any accumulated juices to skillet. Cover and simmer until cutlets are heated through, about 1 minute. Remove skillet from heat and transfer cutlets to serving platter. Whisk butter, thyme, and lemon juice into sauce and season with salt and pepper. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve immediately.