CHICKEN FRICASSÉE WITH SHALLOTS AND BACON

Chicken thighs braised in white wine, paired with sweet shallots and savory bacon bits.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 slices bacon, cut into thin strips
  • 2 tbsp (28.5g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 8 shallots (about 400g total), peeled and halved (or quartered if large)
  • 7-8 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1/3 cup (79ml) dry white wine

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Prepare the Chicken: About 2 to 3 hours before cooking, rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside and let them rest to come close to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) with a rack in the middle.
  • Cook the Bacon: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon strips and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  • Sear the Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once the butter melts and sizzles, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook for 8-10 minutes, uncovered, until the skin is golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil, keeping the drippings in the pan.
  • Cook the Shallots and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan. Once the butter sizzles, add the shallots and garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are tender and lightly caramelized. Some shallots may separate into layers, which is fine. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, skin-side up. Pour the white wine over the chicken, top with bacon and thyme sprigs, and season with extra black pepper if desired.
  • Braised Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
  • Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the braised chicken thighs with the shallots, garlic, and bacon bits. Enjoy!