Crispy, juicy, jammy, and extra saucy, this braised chicken with grapes is pure cozy comfort.
- 4 lbs chicken pieces, bone-in, skin-on (thighs and drumsticks)
- 2 Tbsp canola oil
- 8 oz shallots, peeled and thinly sliced (about 3)
- 1/4 cup AP flour
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 10 sprigs thyme
- 1 1/2 lbs seedless red grapes
- Kosher salt and pepper
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the oil over med/high heat in an oven-safe saute pan or cast iron skillet until hot, but not smoking.
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Add the chicken in a single layer, skin side down, and saute until skin is browned, about 10 mins. Flip and saute about 3 mins more. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
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Pour off some of the fat, leaving about two tablespoons in the pan. Add the shallots to the pan and saute until softened and golden. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 mins.
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Whisk in the wine, bring to a boil, and reduce by half. Whisk in stock and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and reduce slightly.
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Stir in the grapes and thyme sprigs. Nestle the chicken in the sauce. Place the pan in the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown, about 30 mins.
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Serve with the sauce and grapes spooned over the top.
- I swear by my cast iron skillet for this dish (and many others). It gets an amazing sear on the chicken, is naturally non-stick, holds the heat, and makes the transition from stove to oven seamlessly.
- When browning the chicken, start with presentation (and aka the prettier side) down, and let it cook, undisturbed until browned. Keep an eye on your heat so it doesn't burn. Once the skin begins to brown and caramelize, it should release from the pan easily.
- If you're not sure if the chicken is fully cooked, use an instant read thermometer to determine the internal temperature of the chicken. Pull it at 165 degrees F.
- If your sauce isn't as thick as you would like it after the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken to a plate to keep war, and reduce the sauce over medium heat on the stove for a min or two.
- This dish yields plenty of sauce so make a starchy side like mashed potatoes or rice to soak in all the goodness!