Chicken Thighs with Porcini & Celery

Ingredients

  • About 1 oz. dried sliced porcini mushrooms
  • About 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • About 2 tbsp. EVOO
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper
  • 3 small ribs celery from the heart, with leafy tops, very thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup fresh tarragon, chopped
  • Crusty ciabatta bread, for mopping

Preparation

1. Place the mushrooms in a small saucepan. Add enough stock to just cover, about 1 1/2 cups. Bring to a simmer over medium, reduce the heat to low, and keep warm until the mushrooms are reconstituted, 15 to 20 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the mushrooms to a work surface; chop. Reserve the mushroom soaking liquid.

2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the EVOO, two turns of the pan, over medium-high. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Add the celery, onion, carrot and garlic to the pan; season and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir until fragrant and slightly darker in color, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the reserved mushroom liquid (avoid any grit that may have settled in the pan). Add the chopped mushrooms and the chicken; simmer uncovered until the chicken is cooked through, about 8 minutes. Stir in the tarragon. Serve in shallow bowls with bread for mopping.