Make Ahead

Balsamic Braised Chicken Thighs

by:
April 10, 2021
4.7
3 Ratings
Balsamic Braised Chicken Thighs
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

This is one of those things that is restorative for me, both from the fragrance during the braise and the memories of the time during which I developed the meal. After a long recovery from surgery, I was finally well enough both to cook and to enjoy eating again. While Tom was at work, I made use of the mishap ingredients already hanging out in my kitchen (yes, the endive was there too, 2 weeks old and not fit enough to go naked which is why it got sugar coated). I have it written in my journal (volume 5), dated May of 2006. I can uncover it's whereabouts quickly by flipping through pages and scanning for a date nearing that time. This continues to be a favorite chicken dish for my husband Tom, who truth be told, is much more of a breast man.

The vinegar is nicely offset by its' sweet counterparts, making for a well balanced mix. The distinct essence of the Balinese long peppers is just subtle enough to add a unique flavor without overpowering the other players.

I like to leave my potatoes whole but you could just as easily cut them in half depending on their size. A mix of colors might be nice here as well, such as purple and red, to add more visual interest. This goes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight but would also present nicely for a dinner party.
—10 Legs in the Kitchen

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • INGREDIENTS (for braising liquid)
  • 1 1/2 cups Proseco (you could also use sparkling wine or vermouth)
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (approximately juice of 1/2 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon fig paste
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chicken Demi-glacé (if solid, cut a 1/2" x 3/4" chunk)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
  • 2-3 pieces Balinese Long Peppers (optional) long peppers are very fragrant but not a typical ingredient. I have a box in my pantry that I got several years ago from a specialty food store. I use them when I want to add an exotic flavor that is not over powering
  • INGREDIENTS (for chicken)
  • 1 1/2 - 2 pounds INGREDIENTS (for chicken) (approximately 8 thighs)
  • Sea salt and fresh ground pepper for seasoning
  • 1/4 cup semolina flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for saluting
  • 2 sweet onions, skin peeled, cut into 1/4 each slices
  • 12-16 small baby Dutch potatoes, rinsed
  • 2 Belgium endives, rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon natural sugar
  • natural sugar
Directions
  1. INGREDIENTS (for braising liquid)
  2. PREP braising liquid Add al the ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a light boil.
  3. Reduce the heat and let simmer, uncovered, until the flavors meld (approximately 10 minutes).
  1. INGREDIENTS (for chicken)
  2. PREP chicken Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs.
  3. Season chicken with sea salt and pepper. Sprinkle the semolina flour over to coat thighs, shaking off excess.
  4. Heat a large, heavy bottomed, Dutch oven with low sides until hot. Add the olive oil and brown the chicken thighs on one side. Turn the thighs over, cook for one minute then add in the onions. Be sure that the onions end up slightly under the chicken. Pour over the braising liquid then add the potatoes, pushing them to submerge in the liquid.
  5. Bring the liquid to a simmer and transfer to a 375 degree oven (not covered). Baste every 15 minutes for approximately an hour.
  6. After 45 minutes, add the Belgium endives and let cook for 5 minutes or until just tender. Remove and cut them in half lengthwise. Set aside
  7. When the chicken is done tender and nicely browned (typically after one hour cooking time), remove the pan from the oven, cover and let rest for 10 minutes while you finish the endive.
  8. To finish the endive, heat a sauté pan to hot. Sprinkle the sugar over the bottom of the pan and set the endive in cut side down. Allow this to sit, undisturbed for a few minutes as it caramelizes. Sprinkle with sea salt and fresh pepper. Squeeze in the lemon juice.
  9. PLATE Divide the potatoes and onions among four plates. Top, slightly askew, with one or two thighs. Put one endive half alongside. Spoon the sauce over the chicken or in front on the plate, garnish.
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