Jaque Pepin braised chicken with bacon and vegetables.

This recipe would make a good pot pie recipe if topped with a rich biscuit dough.  I don't understand why frozen pot pie packages have ALL WHITE MEAT on the label in all caps as though that's a good thing.  I'd much sooner get a frozen pot pie if it said ALL DARK MEAT. :)

Braised Chicken with Potatoes, Carrots, Mushrooms and Peas

Recipe adapted from "Heart & Soul in the Kitchen," by Jacques Pépin

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes 

Cook Time: 50 minutes 

Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

5 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into ¼-inch batons

1 tablespoon canola oil

4 chicken legs (about 2¼ pounds)—skins removed, drumstick and thighs separated, patted dry

Kosher salt, to taste

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

¾ cup dry white wine

1½ cups water

½ pound baby red potatoes

8 pearl onions, peeled

3 large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces

2 garlic cloves, smashed and finely minced

5 thyme sprigs

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

¼ pound cremini mushrooms, halved or quartered if large

1 cup frozen baby peas, thawed

2 tablespoons roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Crusty bread, for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the bacon and oil over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the fat renders and the bacon is crisp, 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.

2. Add the chicken legs to the pot, increase the heat to medium high and season with salt. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until brown on all sides, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with the flour and stir to distribute evenly, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the wine and reduce by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the water, potatoes, pearl onions, carrots, garlic, thyme and reserved bacon. Season with more salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, 20 to 25 minutes. Add the mushrooms, cover and cook for 5 more minutes. Stir in the peas and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

3. To serve, garnish the stew with parsley and serve with crusty bread on the side.

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