Chicken Osso Buco
Traditionally, osso buco is Italian for “bone with a hole” (osso bone, buco hole), a reference to the marrow hole at the center of the cross-cut veal shank. Veal shank, which is most commonly used in this dish, is relatively cheap and flavorful cut of meat. Although tough, braising makes it tender.
Well enough of the Osso Buco lesson. Tonight I substituted chicken for the veal shank. Fortunately I don’t have to braise the the chicken all day to make it tender. Plus for me. I love finding as many recipes as I can to use chicken in. This one was a winner. The sweet flavors of the vegetables highlighted the moist tenderness of the chicken thighs. The combination was amazing. So y’all need to run out to the garden or farmers market and get some fresh veggies and pick up some chicken because you’re going to want to add this to your recipe collection. It’s just that good.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 chicken thighs (I used Springer Mountain Farms skinless/boneless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 carrots – diced
- 2 green peppers – diced
- 1 large sweet onion – diced
- 3 stalks celery – diced
- 3-4 medium tomatoes (2 cans diced if you don’t have fresh)
- 6 cloves garlic – chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 small bunch curly parsley – chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1. In a large Dutch oven heat olive oil and brown the chicken on both sides.
2. Remove chicken to a plate and cover.
3. Add the vegetables, tomatoes, and garlic and cook for 3-5 minutes
4. Add the chicken back to the Dutch oven and nestling into the vegetable/tomato mixture, add the chicken stock and parsley.
5. Cover and place in preheated 350 degree oven and cook for 60-90 minutes. *
6. Uncover and place back in oven and cook an additional 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes, and serve.
* you could also do this in a slow cooker for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.
Why a specific chicken? Do we have to use that?
James, you can use whatever chicken your family likes. I prefer Springer Mountain Farms chicken for a few reasons. I first found out about them when Paula Deen became a spokesperson for them. I found it at my local grocery store and was glad to use it. Their farm practices and way they feed and treat their chickens makes me feel safer serving it to my family. I try my best to keep unwanted antibiotics, growth hormones and such out of my families diet. Plus they are certified by the American Humane Association. That is my reason for using their product. Please look at their website and if it is available in your area, give it a try. Now I continue to use it because of their continued support of Paula Deen.