Polenta with Italian Chicken -

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its comforting flavors, showcasing the beauty of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create rich, satisfying meals. One dish that encapsulates the essence of the Italian countryside is Creamy Polenta with Rustic Italian Chicken. This delightful combination marries the creamy, velvety texture of polenta with the robust, savory flavors of chicken simmered with aromatic herbs and spices. It’s a dish that not only warms the body but also nourishes the soul, transporting you to a quaint Italian village with every bite.

Polenta with Italian Chicken

Experience the warmth of the Italian countryside with a comforting dish of creamy polenta paired with rustic Italian chicken. This recipe combines velvety polenta made from coarse cornmeal with flavorful chicken simmered in aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect for any gathering, each mouthful captures the essence of traditional Italian cooking. Discover the simplicity and elegance of high-quality ingredients as you create a meal that nourishes both body and soul. Dive into this culinary journey today!

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Ingredients

For the Polenta:

1 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)

4 cups water or chicken broth (for richer flavor)

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt, to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Rustic Italian Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice

1/2 cup chicken broth

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Polenta:

- In a large pot, bring the water or chicken broth to a rolling boil.

- Gradually whisk in the coarsely ground cornmeal to avoid lumps.

- Reduce the heat to medium, stirring continuously for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.

- Once thickened, remove from heat and incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

- Cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

Cook the Italian Chicken:

- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

- Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Brown the Chicken:

- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Simmer the Chicken:

- Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth.

- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet, allowing it to cook for 20-25 minutes.

- Check for doneness; the chicken should be tender and fully cooked.

Serve the Dish:

- On each serving plate, create a generous layer of creamy polenta as a delightful base.

- Top with the Italian chicken and spoon some of the savory sauce over the top.

- Finish with a sprinkle of freshly torn basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Enjoy your Meal:

- Consider pairing this dish with a light side salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Savor the rich flavors of the Italian countryside!

Prep Time / Total Time / Servings: 15 mins | 50 mins | 4 servings