Best Braised Mediterranean Chicken With Polenta Recipes

ONE-SKILLET MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN RECIPE WITH TOMATOES AND GREEN OLIVES

Steps:

• Pat the chicken breasts dry. On each side of the chicken breasts make three slits through.
• Spread the garlic on both sides; insert some garlic into the slits you made. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper and 1/2 of the dried oregano.
• In a large cast iron skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil on medium-high. Brown the chicken on both sides. Add the white wine and let reduce by 1/2 then add the lemon juice and chicken broth. Sprinkle the remaining oregano on top. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover with a lid or tightly with foil. Cook for 10-15 mins turning the chicken over once (chicken's internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.)
• Uncover and top with the chopped onions, tomatoes and olives. Cover again and cook for only 3 minutes. Finally add the parsley and feta cheese. Serve with a light pasta, rice or couscous. Enjoy

BRAISED CHICKEN LEGS WITH CHEESY POLENTA AND SAUTEED GREENS

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

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.