Chicken in Garlic-Vinegar Sauce

Braising chicken in vinegar and herbs is a very popular way of cooking in Mediterranean Europe. Often paired with sweet sausage, this is a gutsy, wholesome dish that can be made a day ahead. Serve with whole-wheat couscous tossed with fresh herbs and steamed broccolini.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 1 hour

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour 50 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

3-3 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks and/or breasts), skin removed, trimmed (see Tip)
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, plus a pinch, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
7 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup minced shallots
16 large cloves garlic, peeled
1/3 cup sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons finely minced fresh chives

1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil and butter in a large heavy casserole or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add half the chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove to a large plate. Add 2 teaspoons oil to the pot. Add the remaining chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove to the plate.
3. Heat 2 more teaspoons oil. Add shallots and garlic and cook, stirring, until the shallots are soft and lightly browned, about 1 minute. Add vinegar and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in broth and then carefully nestle the thyme sprigs among the chicken pieces (or stir in dry thyme).
4. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer over medium-low heat until the chicken is very tender, about 50 minutes.
5. Just before the chicken is done, whisk sour cream, mustard, tomato paste and flour in a small bowl until smooth. Combine tomatoes, chives, the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and pinch of salt in another small bowl; reserve for garnish.
6. When the chicken is done, remove to a plate, discarding the thyme sprigs (if using). Stir the sour cream mixture into the sauce; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, return the chicken to the sauce and reheat, about 1 minute. Serve garnished with the tomato mixture.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 301 calories; 14 g fat (5 g sat, 6 g mono); 116 mg cholesterol; 9 g carbohydrate; 34 g protein; 1 g fiber; 427 mg sodium; 612 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (20% daily value), Potassium (17% dv), Vitamin A (15% dv).
1/2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 4 lean meat, 2 fat

TIP: If you are using a combination of thighs, drumsticks and breasts, cut each breast in half crosswise to make pieces about the size of a thigh. And if you buy whole legs, separate the drumsticks and thighs. When the pieces are about the same size, they’ll cook at about the same rate.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare through Step 4; cool to room temperature and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Finish with Steps 5-6 before serving.