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Chipotle Braised Chicken

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Chipotle Braised ChickenStephanie Foley

A straightforward stovetop braise makes this savory chicken just right for a weeknight. A little chipotle chile powder (left over from Pork Spice Rub ) gives the chicken a spark of heat, while lime juice and cilantro bring freshness to the cooking liquid. Serve this with Warm Herbed Coriander Rice Salad and your meal's complete.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 1/4 hr

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1

large onion, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced lengthwise

2

garlic cloves, minced

1

Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf

1

tablespoon unsalted butter

1

1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

3

pounds chicken parts

1

teaspoon chipotle chile powder

1

cup water

1

tablespoon fresh lime juice

1

/4 cup chopped cilantro

accompaniment:

lime wedges

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook onion, garlic, and bay leaf in butter and 1/2 tablespoon oil with 1/8 teaspoon salt in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onion is beginning to brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

    Step 2

    Pat chicken dry and season with 1 teaspoon salt. Brown chicken in remaining tablespoon oil in 2 batches, 5 to 6 minutes per batch, transferring to a plate as browned.

    Step 3

    Discard all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet, then stir in chile powder and onion mixture and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in water and bring to a simmer, scraping up brown bits.

    Step 4

    Add chicken and cook, covered, over low heat, turning chicken once, until just cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer chicken and onions with a slotted spoon to a platter. Skim off and discard fat from sauce, then boil until slightly thickened. Stir in lime juice and cilantro and spoon sauce over chicken.