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t's pear season, which probably explains that huge smile on everyone's face. And while most people think of pairing them with sweet recipes, I absolutely love the contrast when using them in savory ones. The slight sweetness these pears give to the crispy braised chicken thighs makes this recipe one of my favorite fall and winter meals. Regardless of the season, it's also a great dish for an easy weeknight dinner or weekend entertaining. Serve these chicken thighs over rice or on any grain. As a lighter option, they also go well on a pile of greens.
Plus, this entire recipe comes together in a single cas- iron skillet. What could be easier? Um, if someone made it for you. But cooking's fun and comforting, so go throw on your apron and get cracking. This is braised chicken that we're talking about!
If you can't get enough of these easy skillet recipes, check out this skillet chicken with pepper and onion relish.
SERVINGS
- 4 large chicken thighs (skin on and bone in)
- 14 teaspoon kosher salt
- 14 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Harry & David Royal Riviera Pears (sliced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and chopped)
- 12 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Rice, grains, or greens (for serving)
- Preheat oven to 400° F.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in a cold cast-iron skillet and set on stove over medium-low heat.
- Cook in the skillet for 10 minutes. Don't touch the thighs at this point.
- After 10 minutes, the chicken thighs should be lightly browned and the skin will be somewhat crispy.
- Remove the thighs from the skillet and set aside.
- Add sliced pears and carrots to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Add chicken stock and apple cider vinegar to the skillet and use the liquid to scrape up any bits stuck to the pan.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up.
- Place the skillet in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Use a thermometer for doneness. It should reach 165° F in the thickest part of the thigh and the juices should run clear.
- Remove skillet from the oven and serve the chicken thighs, pears, and carrots over rice, another grain, or greens.
- Spoon a little pan sauce over the chicken before serving.
AUTHOR
Nick has been writing delicious recipes for the home cook for over a decade. He lives in Denver, Colorado, where he embraces a delicate balance of kid-chasing, trail running, and beer drinking. He posts his latest creations to his recipe blog Macheesmo, and runs a YouTube show called The Dinnernet.