Chicken, Corn, and Potato Stew

Annacia's Note:

It looks like there is a lot to do here but it all goes quickly, especially if you use a food processor to grate the russets! The russet potatoes should dissolve and thicken the stew nicely. Talk about comfort food this is it! I'm guessing at the servings as we now have only myself and my DH at home and we had lots left. Excellent with cornbread.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 (3 ½-4 lb) broiler-fryer chickens , cut into 8 serving pieces
• 1 ¾ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large white onion , finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano , crumbled
• 1 ½ lbs russet potatoes (baking)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 lbs yellow potatoes , peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes and placed in bowl covered with water
• 3 ears corn , cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces

Accompaniments

• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons drained capers
• 3 avocados , quartered, pitted, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Directions:

1. Pat chicken dry and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
2. Heat butter in a wide heavy 7- to 8-quart pot over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then brown chicken in 2 batches, skin side down first, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes.
3. Transfer chicken as browned to a plate.
4. Add onion to pot along with oregano and remaining teaspoon each salt and pepper and sauté, stirring, until light golden, about 5 minutes.
5. Peel and coarsely grate russet potatoes and add to pot with chicken, broth, and water. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes.
6. Transfer chicken with tongs to a cutting board to cool. Drain cubed yellow potatoes and add to pot.
7. Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until cubed potatoes are almost tender, about 10 minutes.
8. Add corn and simmer, covered, until tender, 5 to 10 minutes more.
9. While corn is cooking, remove skin and bones from chicken and coarsely shred meat.
10. Add meat to pot and heat through.