Stuffed Chicken Thighs Braised in Tomato Sauce

From EatingWell: March/April 2010 — Subscribe to EatingWell Magazine Today!

Spinach-Parmesan stuffing provides great flavor in boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Try it with the optional chicken livers in the stuffing for an extra-rich treat. And don’t worry, even though when stuffed it looks like the filling will ooze out, it doesn’t. The egg in the stuffing acts as a binder to keep everything in place. The recipe makes plenty of sauce, so be sure to cook up some pasta or make mashed potatoes to serve alongside the saucy chicken.

READER'S COMMENT:

"De-boning the thigh was a challenge, no "pocket" to put the stuffing in. The solution is to flatten the thigh somewhat, making it the same thickness all around (not pounding). Then put the stuffing on, leaving a bit on the sides, roll and...

Stuffed Chicken Thighs Braised in Tomato Sauce Recipe

10 servings, 1 thigh & 2/3 cup sauce each

Active Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 1/2 hours

Nutrition Profile

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Ingredients

Stuffing & Chicken

1 cup frozen (thawed) or cooked spinach, squeezed dry
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs from day-old bread, preferably whole-wheat (see Tip)
4 ounces fresh chicken livers, coarsely chopped (optional; see Note)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons chopped fennel fronds (optional)
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
10 4- to 5-ounce boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Sauce

2 cups finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
1/2 cup diced fennel bulb
1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparation

To prepare stuffing & chicken: Combine spinach and breadcrumbs in a medium bowl with chicken livers (if using), Parmesan, egg, fennel fronds (if using), 2 tablespoons shallot, 1 tablespoon garlic, thyme, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well blended. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
Place a chicken thigh skinned-side down on a work surface. Fill the thigh with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the stuffing, first filling the area (or pocket) left by the bone and placing the rest in the center of the thigh. Roll the thigh closed and secure with 2 pieces of kitchen string. Repeat with the remaining thighs and stuffing. (You may leftover stuffing.) Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper and salt.
Heat oil in a large, heavy, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and add half the thighs, seam-side down. Cook, turning 2 or 3 times, until brown on all sides, 7 to 10 minutes total. Transfer to a clean plate and repeat with the remaining thighs.
To prepare sauce: Add onion, carrot, fennel, 1/4 cup shallot and 2 tablespoons garlic to the pan. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Add wine and scrape up any browned bits; bring to a boil over medium heat and continue to boil until the liquid is reduced by about half, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes, basil, thyme and the chicken thighs. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered and turning the thighs occasionally, until cooked through and tender, 35 to 40 minutes.
Remove the thighs with a slotted spoon; tent with foil to keep warm. Simmer the sauce further to thicken it, if desired, or thin with a little broth or water if it’s too thick. Season with 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve the chicken with the sauce.

Tips & Notes

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare the stuffing (Step 1), cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day or stuff the chicken (Step 2), cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. | Equipment: Kitchen string

Tip: To make fresh breadcrumbs, trim crusts from whole-wheat bread. Tear bread into pieces and process in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. One slice of bread makes about 1/2 cup fresh crumbs.
Note: Look for fresh chicken livers that have not been previously frozen. Previously frozen livers exude more liquid when cooking.

Nutrition

Per serving: 333 calories; 13 g fat (4 g sat, 6 g mono); 100 mg cholesterol; 20 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 28 g protein; 4 g fiber; 615 mg sodium; 661 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (83% daily value), Vitamin C (22% dv), Iron, Potassium & Zinc (19% dv), Magnesium (16% dv)

1 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 3 lean meat