Easy Chicken Kapama

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

Instructions

  1. 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.)
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.