Chicken Rustica over Polenta

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 12
Chicken Rustica over Polenta: A Comforting and Hearty Italian Dish
in Main

Prep

20 min

Cook

1 hour 15 min

Ready In

1 hour 35 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...

Ingredients

6 slices bacon
12 skinless chicken thighs , bone-in ( about 1.5 lbs )
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour , for dusting
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion , chopped
3 garlic cloves , minced
2 cans crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons oregano
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup kalamata olive , pitted and sliced
1 can cannellini beans , drained
3 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup grated imported parmesan cheese
fresh parsley , for garnish

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
644
Sugar
5g
Fat
37g
Chicken Rustica over Polenta is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty and comforting meal is perfect for cold winter nights or family gatherings. The chicken is first browned in a Dutch oven, then cooked in a tomato-based sauce that includes olives, bacon, and cannellini beans. The dish is then baked in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. The polenta, a creamy cornmeal-based side dish, soaks up the delicious sauce and adds a comforting element to the meal. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2.Cook bacon in a large oven-proof Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon, crumble, and set aside. Leave bacon fat in pot.
3.Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and dust with flour. Add olive oil to the Dutch oven and heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
4.Add onion and garlic to pot and cook until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
5.Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red wine, parsley, olives, beans, and crumbled bacon to pot and bring to a simmer. Return chicken to pot, spoon sauce over chicken, and cover with lid.
6.Transfer pot to preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbly.
7.While chicken is baking, bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add salt and slowly whisk in cornmeal. Cook, whisking constantly, until polenta is thick and creamy, about 15 minutes.
8.Remove polenta from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
9.Serve chicken and sauce over polenta. Garnish with fresh parsley.

PROS

This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a comforting home-cooked meal.

The combination of chicken, tomatoes, olives, and beans provides a variety of flavors and textures.

The polenta is a creamy and flavorful base for the chicken and sauce.

This dish can feed a large group of people, making it a great option for family gatherings or dinner parties.

CONS

This dish takes some time to prepare and cook, so it may not be the best option for a quick weeknight meal.

The combination of chicken, bacon, and Parmesan cheese makes this dish high in fat and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

The chicken in this dish is a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles and other tissues.
The tomatoes in the sauce are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
The olives and beans in the sauce provide fiber, which can help promote digestive health.
The polenta is made from cornmeal, which is a good source of complex carbohydrates and provides energy to the body.

Print

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.