This quick chicken fricassee simply involves browning chicken parts, then simmering them in a punchy sweet and sour mixture of vinegar, dried pears and shallots. The braise is finished with sweet red grapes and served with a simple side of Parmesan polenta.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 40 min |
| Active: | 35 min |
| Yield: | 4 servings |
Ingredients
- 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 8 dried pear halves, halved lengthwise
- 2 sprigs marjoram, plus 2 tablespoons leaves
- 1 cup seedless red grapes
- 1 cup quick-cooking polenta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces skin-side down and cook, flipping the thighs once and turning the drumsticks occasionally, until well browned and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings.
- Add the shallots to the skillet and cook, stirring, until browned at the edges, about 2 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook until reduced, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup water, the dried pears and marjoram sprigs. Return the chicken and any juices from the plate to the skillet. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid is reduced by half, 12 to 15 minutes. Add the grapes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Meanwhile, fill a medium saucepan with 4 cups water; season with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and slowly whisk in the polenta. Cook, whisking, until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the butter and Parmesan; season with salt and pepper.
- Divide the polenta among plates. Top with the chicken, pan sauce and fruit. Sprinkle with the marjoram leaves.
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 580 |
| Total Fat | 22 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 8 grams |
| Cholesterol | 140 milligrams |
| Sodium | 510 milligrams |
| Carbohydrates | 69 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 grams |
| Sugar | 29 grams |
| Protein | 27 grams |