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Recipes
September 2009

Chicken with Figs In Ras-El-Hanout and Couscous

By Mourad LahlouPhotography by Misha Gravenor
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Misha Gravenor Photography

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6 Servings

Ingredients

6

whole chicken leg-thigh pieces (about 4 1/2 pounds total)

1

tablespoon salt plus additional for seasoning

4

tablespoons olive oil, divided

12

baby carrots, peeled

1

cup shallots, peeled, halved (about 4 large)

3

garlic cloves, peeled

1

teaspoon fresh chopped thyme plus additional for garnish

1

/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel

2

tablespoons ras-el-hanout

3

cups low-salt chicken broth

3

/4 cup dry white wine

14

Brown Turkey figs, halved

2

teaspoons Sherry wine vinegar

Couscous (prepared according to package directions)

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Arrange chicken on rimmed baking sheet and sprinkle each side of each piece with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.

    Step 2

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer chicken to skillet and sear until golden, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to heavy roasting pan, skin side up. Add carrots, shallots, garlic, 1 teaspoon thyme, lemon peel, ras-el-hanout, chicken broth, white wine, and remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil to skillet. Bring to boil, whisking up brown bits. Pour mixture over chicken in roasting pan and bring to simmer over medium heat. Cover with foil; place in oven. Braise 1 hour, until tender.

    Step 3

    Transfer chicken, carrots, and shallots to baking sheet; discard garlic. Pour pan juices into large saucepan. Spoon off fat from surface. Boil juices until reduced to 1 3/4 cups, whisking occasionally, about 18 minutes. Add figs and vinegar; cook until figs are just heated through, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Place cooked couscous on large plate. Top with chicken, vegetables, and figs. Spoon sauce over chicken and figs. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

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