Chicken Chili

Yield: 6 servings
Time: 1 hour 30 (include 30 minute prep)

This gets really high ratings from the family across the board.  Bonus, it’s super adaptable.  Serve on top of / next to roasted potatoes / rice; topped with basil / cheddar cheese / corn chips / sour cream;

And there are some shortcuts you can take if you’re running short on time: buy a roasted chicken,  use diced tomatoes.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped yellow onions (3 onions)
• 1/8 cup good olive oil, plus extra for chicken
• 1/8 cup minced garlic (2 cloves)
• 2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and large-diced (always use organic; peppers are a high pesticide crop)
• 2 yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded, and large-diced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for chicken
• 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled plum tomatoes in puree, undrained
• 1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
• 4 split chicken breasts, preferably bone-in
• Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Cook the onions in the oil over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Cook for 1 minute. Crush the tomatoes by hand or in batches in a food processor fitted with a steel blade (pulse 6 to 8 times). Add to the pot with the basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, until just cooked. Let cool slightly. Separate the meat from the bones and skin and cut it into 3/4-inch chunks. Add to the chili and simmer, uncovered, for another 20 minutes.
4. This dish is delicious served with toppings such as grated cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro- or simply on its own. Megan usually roasts potatoes and serves them alongside. Lovely.

This recipe came to me through my friend Sylvia, who got it from her friend Megan, who got it from…. Ian Garten, also known as The Barefoot Contessa; a variation of the recipe is in her cookbook Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun.