Herb-Crusted Chicken with Swiss Chard and Aromatic Greens

Pollo al Verde – A Flavorful Herb-Infused Chicken Dish

Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Swiss Chard and Herbs:

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   • Begin by washing the Swiss chard thoroughly under running water. Once clean, chop it into smaller pieces.
   • Next, finely chop the parsley, chives, sage, marjoram, and thyme. You can place each herb into separate bowls for convenience.

2. Make the Herb Mixture:

   • Take the cleaned Swiss chard and transfer it into a food processor or blender.
   • Add the parsley first, followed by the chives, sage leaves, marjoram, and thyme.
   • Pulse everything together until you achieve a finely chopped herb mixture. Set this aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Place the whole chicken on a cutting board and begin by removing the wings. Separate the thighs and breasts as desired. If you prefer convenience, you can use pre-cut and deboned chicken pieces from your local supermarket.
   • Skin the chicken pieces and set them aside.

4. Coat the Chicken:

   • In a shallow dish, spread the all-purpose flour.
   • Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour, ensuring an even coat on each side.
   • Now, take the herb mixture of Swiss chard and aromatic herbs and coat each floured chicken piece, pressing lightly to ensure the herbs stick to the chicken.

5. Cook the Chicken:

   • Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) if using a fan-assisted oven.
   • In a large baking dish, pour a thin layer of extra virgin olive oil. Add a garlic clove, peeled and halved, along with the finely chopped shallot.
   • Arrange the herb-crusted chicken pieces in the baking dish, ensuring they’re spaced out for even cooking.

6. Optional: Add Milk or Broth:

   • Pour in the whole milk, or alternatively, you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
   • Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

7. Bake the Chicken:

   • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be lightly golden and crisp on the outside.
   • The sauce will thicken slightly, and the chicken will be cooked through, with the flavors of the herbs infusing every bite.

8. Serving:

   • Once the chicken is cooked and slightly crispy on top, remove it from the oven.
   • Serve your Pollo al Verde hot, paired with a side of roasted potatoes or your favorite vegetable dish for a complete meal.

Notes:

• Variations: If you want to enhance the flavor even more, consider adding a few sprigs of rosemary directly into the pan for a more aromatic touch.
• Substitutes: You can use vegetable broth instead of milk for a dairy-free version.
• Serving Tip: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light rosé.

This Italian-style Pollo al Verde, infused with fresh herbs and a delicate layer of Swiss chard, is the perfect balance of flavors for your next family dinner. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests! Enjoy the harmony of fresh ingredients with a crispy, flavorful chicken that’s full of character.