Braised Ligurian Chicken Recipe
Serves 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description:
This delightful Braised Ligurian Chicken is a dish full of robust flavors that come together effortlessly. The rich combination of rosemary, garlic, anchovies, olives, and tomatoes creates a beautiful sauce that makes this dish a standout. Although anchovies are often met with hesitation, rest assured, they dissolve into the sauce, adding a profound depth of flavor that’s essential to the dish. Serve this with pasta or roasted potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 2 tbsp |
| Sea Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
| Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless) | 4 pieces (about 1 1/2 lbs) |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/3 cup |
| Fresh Rosemary | 4-5 sprigs |
| Garlic (minced) | 6 cloves |
| White Wine | 1 1/2 cups |
| Anchovy Fillets | 5 pieces |
| Kalamata Olives (pitted) | 2/3 cup |
| Plum Tomatoes (chopped) | 4-5 medium |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 549.9 kcal |
| Fat Content | 34.5 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 6.8 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 97 mg |
| Sodium Content | 478.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 10.6 g |
| Fiber Content | 1.7 g |
| Sugar Content | 2.5 g |
| Protein Content | 33.2 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the chicken breasts and toss them gently until they are evenly coated with the flour mixture. -
-
Sear the Chicken
Place a large, flameproof casserole dish over medium-high heat and pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts. Fry the chicken for about 5 minutes, or until the underside is golden brown. Flip the chicken over, then add the rosemary sprigs and minced garlic. -
Sauté Aromatics
Continue frying the chicken for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the garlic to soften but not brown. Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter. -
Add the Wine and Simmer
Pour in the white wine and bring it to a gentle boil. Let it simmer for a minute to allow the alcohol to evaporate. -
Incorporate the Anchovies, Olives, and Tomatoes
Once the wine has reduced slightly, add the anchovy fillets, kalamata olives, and chopped plum tomatoes to the dish. Stir everything together to combine. -
Braised Cooking
Reduce the heat to medium-low, partially cover the casserole dish, and allow the chicken to braise in the aromatic sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. The sauce will thicken and reduce to a rich, flavorful consistency. -
Final Touches
Once the chicken is cooked, discard the rosemary sprigs from the dish. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. -
Serve
Place one or two pieces of chicken on each plate and spoon generous amounts of the sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Wine Choice: A dry white wine works best for this dish. If you don’t have white wine on hand, a splash of chicken broth or water can be substituted, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
- Adjusting Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer it for a little longer to reduce further. If you’d like more sauce, feel free to add a bit more white wine or chicken broth.
- Anchovies: Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of anchovies—they melt right into the sauce and infuse the dish with a deep, savory umami flavor without leaving any chunks behind.
Serving Suggestions:
This Braised Ligurian Chicken is rich and hearty, making it the perfect dish to serve alongside a light, crisp salad or a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes. Alternatively, it pairs wonderfully with a bowl of al dente pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, allowing you to enjoy the flavorful sauce in every bite.
Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) based on 1 review.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a flavorful weeknight dinner, this Braised Ligurian Chicken offers a perfect balance of simplicity and depth. It’s an easy dish to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients but delivering a profound, restaurant-quality meal. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this delicious chicken recipe tonight!
