Chicken in Chianti

This recipe originally appeared on the Rachael Ray Show. For more recipes and videos from the show visit RachaelRayShow.com.

This meal is sexy, simple and affordable.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken
• Salt and pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 2 small ribs celery with leafy tops, chopped
• 4 large cloves garlic, sliced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 fresh bay leaves
• 1 bottle Chianti wine
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped or a fat handful of sultanas
• 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts
• 10-12 sage leaves, very thinly sliced
• Crusty bread, for mopping
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Preparation

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Brown the chicken in two batches to avoid crowding the pan until well-browned. Remove the cooked chicken pieces to a plate. Add the vegetables, garlic, red pepper flakes and bay leaves to the pot and sweat to soften, 7-8 minutes. Add the wine, bring to a bubble, then add the chicken pieces back to the pot and simmer, 35-40 minutes uncovered; you should have about 1 cup of liquid left. Add the stock and dried fruit; simmer for 8-10 minutes more to plump the fruit.

Garnish dish with nuts and sage, and serve in shallow bowls with bread for mopping.