Tarragon Chicken a La Pepin

Submitted by LucyS-D

"My husband saw Jacques Pepin make a similar dish on tv years ago. It involved layering thickly sliced onions, potatoes and a whole chicken cut up, covering it with chicken broth and braising in the oven. Well, this is my spin because I have no idea how Pepin seasoned his dish or if anything else went into it!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 lb yukon gold potato
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (plus more to butter the casserole dish)
• 1 1⁄2 lbs chicken thighs (4 each)
• kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed with the side of your knife
• 1⁄3 cup dry white wine
• 2 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 large onions, cut into 1/2-inch rounds (I use Texas sweets or Vidalia or white)
• drizzle heavy cream (optional)
• 1 dash lemon juice (optional)

directions

1. Boil potatoes for 30 minutes (they do not have to be cooked through, they will finished in the oven); set aside to cool, then when cool enough to handle, peel and slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over high heat, brown chicken in oil and butter on both sides well; season liberally with salt and pepper and set aside (these also will not be cooked through, but finished in the oven).
3. Lower heat to medium-low and toss the garlic cloves into skillet and let cook, stirring occasionally so as not to burn, for 1 to 2 minutes; stir in wine to deglaze pan, stirring all the browned bits from the chicken that stuck to the bottom of the pan, and let reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in chicken broth and tarragon; turn off heat and let stand while you assemble the dish.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F; butter a 2-quart covered baking dish or casserole.
6. Layer half the onions in a single layer in the bottom of your casserole; top with half the potatoes.
7. Lay browned chicken on top of the potatoes, then a second layer with the rest of the onions, topped with the remainder of the potatoes.
8. Pour broth over everything, cover and place in oven until chicken is cooked through to 165°F on an instant read meat thermometer, about 30 to 45 minutes depending on how cool you let all the ingredients get before assembly.
9. NOTE: This step is optional, but you can run the dish under the broiler to brown the potatoes a bit (makes for a more attractive dish). Also a drizzle of heavy cream and/or a squirt of fresh lemon juice may be a welcome addition.