Sunday, October 30, 2011

Chicken Tuscan Style~Pollo al Forno

I have so much Rosemary in my yard,  I could probably start selling it at the local market.  For this recipe, plenty of fresh Rosemary is always on hand. In "the style of Tuscany" usually refers to something grilled.  This "oven baked" chicken will remind you of that due to the abundance of fresh Rosemary.  Your house will be infused with the smell of fresh Rosemary.  Reminds me so much of those long walks in the Tuscan countryside.
 A cut up chicken works very well for this recipe. Any combination will do. I will normally add the chicken breast about 30 minutes into the cooking time. For this recipe,  I had two small packages of chicken thighs  which was plenty for us.  Even had some chicken leftover  for chicken salad the following day.
Ingredients for 4 people:
I cut up chicken (About 4-5 pounds) or
2 small packages of chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)
2  good handfuls of fresh rosemary
3 cloves of garlic cut up
7 small -med red potatoes cut up thin sliced into a bowl/ rinsed/dried and set aside
2 tablespoons of olive oil for your potatoes
2 teaspoons of salt/
2 teaspoons of pepper
One cup of dry white wine

Clean and dry your chicken pieces.  I like to leave about half the skin on the chicken for baking.  You can remove your skin completely if you like.  I do not.  It is not necessary to add any additional fat to your pan for your chicken. You can always remove your skin before serving.
Salt and pepper your chicken with one teaspoon each of salt and pepper and set aside.  Add your rosemary, garlic  and toss. Reserve several sprigs for garnishing your plates.
Preheat your oven to 400 bake.

Prepare your potatoes.  Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil.  Add one teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
Place your chicken in a large baking pan, skin side up.  Spread your rosemary sprigs over your chicken pieces.   Turn your oven down to 375 bake.   Cook for 30 minutes.   Add your potatoes  and spread them around your chicken.  Cook for an additional 30 minutes. 
Carefully remove your pan from your oven to your stove top.  Add your cup of white wine.   Carefully place your pan back into oven.
Bake again for an additional 30 minutes.  Your wine will evaporate but leave your chicken and potatoes with great flavor.  Your chicken and potatoes should be golden.  Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes before serving. Discard the Rosemary and add some fresh Rosemary for garnish before serving.   Buon Appetito~

Special hint:  If your chicken is not golden, remove your potatoes (they should be golden but soft and somewhat crisp), put your oven on low broil for 5 minutes to crisp up your chicken.   Let cool before serving.

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