SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

2 chicken marylands or 4 bone-in chicken pieces (1lb - dark meat)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 medium yellow pepper, thinly sliced
1 medium fennel bulb, fronds saved for garnish
1 tablespoon Tomato ‘nduja
1 jar Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes
1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken stock (or 1 cup chicken stock + 1/2 cup dry white wine)

PREPARATION

1. Season chicken evenly with salt and sweet smoked paprika. Cover and refrigerate minimum 1 hour, preferably overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking so that it gets closer to room temperature. This will make a difference, your chicken will be more tender.

2. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat, sear chicken for 2-4 minutes per side or until golden brown on both sides. Remove chicken from skillet and place on a plate, tent loosely with foil.

3. Reduce heat to medium, add onion, garlic, peppers and fennel. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until fennel is soft, add spicy Tomato ‘Nduja, Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes and chicken stock. Simmer for 5 more minutes so that flavors meld, add chicken back to the skillet and roast at 375F for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Remove from oven, garnish with fennel fronds and serve. If you crisp up some garlic slices on the side and scatter it over the final dish, it’s even better!

If you’d like to reduce the sauce you could place it back on the stovetop and simmer until desired thickness, the vegetables will continue to break down. Personally I love it as is. If you make this dish, I’d love to hear your thoughts!