Chicken and Belgian Endive Braise
Tender chicken thighs braised with the slightly bitter Belgian endive, complemented by bacon and a savory sauce. This dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, showcasing the unique character of Belgian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 2.5 lbs) Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tsp, divided Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 3 slices Thick-cut bacon, diced
- 4 heads Belgian endive heads, trimmed and halved lengthwise
- 1 cup Dry white wine
- 1/2 cup Unsalted chicken stock
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp Chopped fresh herbs (chives, parsley, tarragon)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken thighs with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and pepper. Set aside.
💡 Pro Tips: Seasoning the chicken generously ensures a flavorful result. - 2
Cook bacon in a large skillet or braiser over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the skillet.
💡 Pro Tips: Crisping the bacon first renders its fat and provides a delightful crunch. - 3
Place chicken thighs, skin-side down, in the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until skin is deeply browned, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate, skin-side up. Reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet; discard the rest.
💡 Pro Tips: Achieving a golden-brown skin on the chicken adds significant flavor and texture. - 4
Add endive halves, cut sides down, to the skillet. Cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Flip endive cut-side up.
💡 Pro Tips: Browning the endive mellows its bitterness and brings out its natural sweetness. - 5
Add chicken stock, cooked bacon, and 1/2 cup white wine to the skillet. Nestle chicken thighs, skin-side up, into the skillet. Bring to a boil.
💡 Pro Tips: Ensuring the liquid comes to a boil before transferring to the oven helps with even cooking. - 6
Transfer skillet to the preheated oven. Roast until endive is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C), about 15 minutes.
💡 Pro Tips: Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure chicken is cooked through. - 7
Remove chicken and endive to a platter, reserving sauce in the skillet. Bring sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat and reduce slightly, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in butter, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Spoon sauce over chicken and endive. Sprinkle with remaining salt to taste.
💡 Pro Tips: Finishing the sauce with butter, mustard, and herbs adds richness and brightness.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in white wine and herbs for at least an hour before cooking.
- ✓If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- ✓Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a tablespoon of honey or a pinch of sugar to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.
- Incorporate other vegetables like sliced leeks or mushrooms into the braise.
- A splash of brandy or Calvados can be added to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.