BRAISED CHICKEN WITH BACON & SWISS CHARD

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 large bunch Swiss chard, rinsed and dried
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 6 chicken thighs (I prefer to use Springer Mountain Farms chicken)
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 shallot – diced
• 1?2 C. dry red wine
• 1 C. chicken stock or low-sodium broth
• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 3 Tbsp. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

DIRECTIONS

Hold a stalk of Swiss chard and slide your other hand along the stalk, stripping away the leaf. Repeat with all of the leaves. Trim away the bottom of the stalks and cut the stalks into 1?2” thick slices. Cut the leaves into 1” pieces. Set aside.

In a skillet just large enough to hold all the chicken pieces in a single layer, fry the bacon over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high.

Season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper and add to the skillet, skin side down. Cook until browned, about 4 minutes on each side. Using tongs, transfer to a plate.

Add the Swiss chard stalks to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate. Add  half of the shallot, to the skillet. Cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and cook until nearly dry, about 5 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Add the chicken, skin side up. Cover with a lid slightly askew and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the chicken is opaque throughout, about 20 minutes. Using a slotted metal spatula, transfer the chicken to a plate.

Stir in the Swiss chard leaves and cook until wilted. Stir in the Swiss chard stalks, the butter, and 2 Tbsp. of the parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Add chicken back to pan, cover and cook for 4 minutes then plate.