Braised Chook Thighs with Young Leeks, Bay Leaves and Verjuice
Step 1: Preheat a fan forced to 200C
Step 2: Season the skin of the chicken thighs with sea salt and set aside for 15 minutes to allow the chicken to reach room temperature.
Step 3: Place the Extra Virgin Olive Oil into a large non-stick fry pan over a high heat.
Step 4: Once hot, place the thighs into the pan with the skin side down and fry for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and set aside. Keep any fat left behind in the pan and return to the heat.
Tip: Don’t over crowd the frying pan as the thighs will start to stew, it is best to cook the thighs in two batches.
Step 5: Trim the tops off the leeks, keeping them approximately 10 to 12 centimeters long, then cut in half lengthways.
Step 6: Place the leeks and garlic into the frying pan used to brown the chicken and fry for 3 to 4 minutes, then deglaze the pan by pouring in the Verjuice.
Step 7: Reduce this by half then add the chicken stock, chicken thighs, bay leaves, thyme and season with salt and pepper.
Step 8: Place into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Ingredients
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6 sprigs lemon thyme
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to season sea salt and freshly ground black pepper