Chicken with Polenta Flour: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Summary

• Ingredients
• Preparation Method
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

For the Polenta Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (approx. 1.5kg), cut into pieces
• 2 cups polenta flour
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley and chives for garnish

Preparation Method

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and set aside for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and brown the chicken pieces. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and tomatoes until a consistent sauce forms.
4. Add the bay leaves and the browned chicken pieces to the sauce.
5. Cook over low heat, gradually adding hot water, until the chicken is tender (approximately 40 minutes).
6. While the chicken cooks, prepare the polenta: in a pot, boil 6 cups of water with salt.
7. Gradually add the polenta flour in a thin stream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
8. Cook the polenta over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 20 minutes, or until creamy.
9. Serve the chicken with the creamy polenta, garnish with chopped parsley and chives.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, add chopped bacon to the sauté.
• Try adding other vegetables like carrots and zucchini to the chicken sauce.
• Substitute the water for cooking the polenta with chicken broth for a richer taste.
• For a spicier version, add dried chili flakes to the sauté.

CHEF’s Tips

The key to a perfect chicken with polenta flour is patience and quality ingredients. When browning the chicken, do not overcrowd the pan; do it in batches to ensure each piece is well-seared, which contributes to a more intense flavor. The vegetable sauté should be done over low heat, allowing the flavors to develop fully. When preparing the polenta, stir constantly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and forming lumps, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture. Choosing good quality polenta flour also makes all the difference in the final result. Polenta chicken is a soul-warming dish, perfect for a cold day or for gathering the family around the table. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken with the creaminess of the polenta is simply irresistible. Try it and enjoy this classic dish with a special touch!