Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with our braised chicken and polenta extravaganza. This delectable dish tantalizes taste buds with a symphony of flavors and textures. Tender and juicy chicken thighs, browned to perfection, bask in a vibrant tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic herbs and zesty spices. The sauce, a vibrant tapestry of flavors, is enriched with the sweetness of sun-ripened tomatoes, the savory depth of garlic and onion, and the vibrant notes of paprika and cumin.
Accompanying the succulent chicken is a creamy polenta, its smooth and velvety texture providing a delightful contrast to the hearty chicken. This versatile dish can be tailored to your preferences, whether you crave a comforting and casual meal or an impressive centerpiece for your dinner table.
BRAISED CHICKEN LEGS WITH CHEESY POLENTA AND SAUTEED GREENS
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 1h55m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat the broiler.
- Place the lemon and onion slices in a baking pan large enough to hold them in a single layer. Place the chicken on top and sprinkle with the oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the chicken. Rub the chicken to coat evenly with seasonings. Place under broiler to lightly brown the chicken skin, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove chicken from broiler and set oven temperature to 325 degrees F. Pour the stock and wine into the pan and cover tightly with foil. Braise chicken in the oven until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, 30 to 35 minutes. Allow chicken to rest in baking pan, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place a large saucepan over high heat. Add the milk and 3 cups water and bring to a boil. Slowly add the polenta, whisking constantly to prevent lumping. Reduce the heat to low and cook, whisking occasionally to prevent sticking, until polenta is done, approximately 45 minutes. Add the cheese, vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Place a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is preheated add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and the greens. Season lightly with some of the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Toss with tongs, lowering heat if necessary to prevent burning, until wilted and tender, then check the seasoning and adjust to your taste.
- Preheat the broiler. Remove chicken from roasting pan and place on an ovenproof sheet pan. Remove and discard the onions and lemons. Pour the liquid from the roasting pan into a small saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until reduced to 1 cup. Place chicken in broiler and cook until skin becomes golden and very crispy, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Spoon 3/4 cup polenta onto each of 4 to 6 large plates, then place 1/2 cup greens on top of each followed by a chicken leg. Spoon 2 tablespoons of the reduced chicken cooking liquid over the top of the chicken.
BRAISED MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN WITH POLENTA
An everyday, one dish meal. You can make the polenta more flavorful by using chicken broth and grated parmesan (about 1/3 cup) instead of water.
Provided by Abiner Smoothie
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 55m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Use a Dutch oven to heat oil.
- Season the chicken with the salt and pepper.
- Brown chicken on all sides in batches (about 8 minutes per batch).
- Drain the fat, but reserve 1 tablespoon and return the pot to heat.
- Cook garlic, tomatoes and oregano about 30 seconds.
- Add wine and scrape up the browned bits for 1 minute.
- Add broth and chicken to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and season again with salt and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for an additional 15 minutes before stirring in lemon juice.
- Meanwhile, combine 4 1/2 cups of water, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in cornmeal. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, whisking frequently for 20-25 minutes. Whisk in butter.
EASY CHICKEN CACCIATORE RECIPE
You'll love this hearty, rustic chicken caccaitore recipe with mushrooms and bell peppers in a flavorful tomato sauce. Fall apart tender chicken with all the comforting aromtics and Italian flavors the family loves. You can make it stovetop or in your crockpot. Serve it with crusty bread or on top of plain pasta, polenta or rice.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Dinner
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides and underneath the sikn.
- In a large pan or braiser (with a lid), heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken, skin side down first. Cook until golden brown, then turn over to brown on the other side (about 8 minutes total). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same braiser, add the onions, celery, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook over medium heat, tossing regularly. Add koserh salt, pepper, oregano, fresh thyme, parsley and red pepper flakes. Allow the vegetables to cook for 5 to 6 minutes or until tender.
- Add the red wine and cook for a few minutes until the wine has reduced by about 1/2, then add the tomatoes. Cook 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Now add the chicken pieces back to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and allow the chicken to cook for 30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Garnish with parsley.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 348.4 kcal, Carbohydrate 15.8 g, Protein 22.3 g, SaturatedFat 5.2 g, Cholesterol 110.7 mg, Sodium 462.5 mg, Fiber 3.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving
Tips:
- To enhance the Mediterranean flavors, use sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese of high quality. - Preparing the polenta in advance will save time and ensure a smooth consistency. - For the chicken, use bone-in, skin-on thighs or breasts for added richness and flavor. - Marinating the chicken enhances its flavors and keeps it moist during cooking. - Basting the chicken with the cooking liquid throughout the braising process helps keep it tender and juicy. - Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken pieces to prevent overcooking. - Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor and color.Conclusion:
This braised Mediterranean chicken with polenta is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Its juicy chicken, flavorful sauce, and creamy polenta make it a satisfying and comforting dish. With its ease of preparation and stunning presentation, this recipe is perfect for both casual home cooking and special occasions. By following these tips, you can elevate the dish to new heights, creating a culinary experience that will impress your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your kitchen, and embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with this delectable recipe.
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