Title: Paprika-Spiced Chicken Stew with Bay Leaf Delight
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 red bell peppers, chopped
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 14-oz can of diced tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken, by patting it dry with paper towels. Season the skin side of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
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In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and brown them for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
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Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent.
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Add the carrots, celery, and bell peppers to the pot, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
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Add the bay leaves, smoked paprika, ground cumin, black pepper, and dried thyme to the pot, and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices become aromatic.
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Add the tomato paste to the pot, stirring to combine it with the vegetables and spices.
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Pour in the chicken broth, red wine, and diced tomatoes, and stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1 hour.
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While the stew is simmering, return the browned chicken thighs to the pot, placing them on top of the vegetables. Cover the pot and continue simmering for another 1-1.5 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Season the stew with salt to taste, remove the bay leaves, and discard them.
- Serve the Paprika-Spiced Chicken Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream (optional).
Enjoy your warm and comforting Paprika-Spiced Chicken Stew with Bay Leaf Delight!
