Easy Chicken Kapama
The traditional version of this Greek-inspired dish calls for a whole chicken to be broken down into parts, then braised in a fragrant, cinnamon-laced tomato sauce. This weeknight version instead calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are are much less work and less time-consuming to prepare. Like most braised dishes, this one tastes even better once the flavors have had a chance to mingle, so it’s an ideal make-ahead meal. Serve it over buttered egg noodles or orzo with a showering of grated Parmesan or Greek kefalotyri cheese.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 2pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1tablespoon olive oil
- 1medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2tablespoons tomato paste
- 1(14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1to 2 cinnamon sticks
- Buttered egg noodles or orzo, for serving (optional)
- 2tablespoons fresh herbs, such as Italian parsley and oregano, roughly chopped (optional)
- Grated kefalotyri cheese or Parmesan, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Season chicken well on both sides with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the ground cinnamon. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, cook the chicken until it begins to lightly brown in spots, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Set aside. (If it’s not cooked through at this point, that’s O.K.)Step 2
Add the onion and the garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion begins to soften and the garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt.Step 3
Stir in the tomato paste, tomatoes, 1/4 cup water and the cinnamon stick(s). Add the chicken and any residual juices, stir to coat with the sauce and bring to a simmer. Turn heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes. Add a few tablespoons water if needed to thin out the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.Step 4
Serve the chicken over buttered egg noodles or orzo, if using, spooning the tomato sauce on top. Top with the herbs and grated cheese, if using.