Chicken with Basil

Serves (4)

This is Charlie D's second recipe I've posted on Novice to Novice. If you like this recipe, you may want to check out his award winning Charlie D's Chicken Breasts Q.E.D.

1 - 3 pound broiler chicken
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion
2 medium green peppers
1 tablespoon garlic
1/2 cup parsley
1 can tomatoes, stewed (chunky pasta style)
1 can olives, small, black, pitted -- drained
1 pound mushroom caps, small
1 teaspoon rosemary, fresh -- leaves only
1/2 cup basil, fresh, packed
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 pound linguini, or pasta of choice -- cooked as directed
basil sprigs for garnish
cherry tomatoes for garnish

This recipe is not difficult but involves some prep. Get it done before you begin so you are not running around when it's time to cook.

Start by cutting up the whole chicken into pieces. The onions and peppers need to be chopped and the garlic and parsley minced. The basil should be coarsely chopped.

Remove the stems from the mushrooms. If you are serving this with the suggested linguini, you will have to time it right so the pasta is ready when the chicken is done.

Heat oil in a large frypan with a tight fitting lid (or a WOK). Add chicken breast halves, thighs, legs, and wings (end joint removed). Cook, over medium heat, turning, until lightly browned. Remove chicken pieces and set aside, keeping warm.

Add onion, peppers, and garlic to skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes, or until onions are softened. Add half the parsley, canned tomatoes, half of the olives, mushrooms, and half the basil. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the sugar and remaining basil.

Arrange Chicken pieces atop the sauce; sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and rosemary. Cover tightly, and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, or until chicken is very tender.

Remove cores of the cherry tomatoes and insert the remaining black olives for garnish.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according directions on package; drain. Remove chicken pieces from sauce, Toss pasta and sauce together. Turn onto a serving dish. Arrange chicken pieces atop pasta. Garnish with basil sprigs and olive stuffed cherry tomatoes.

Serving Ideas : Serve with a loaf of crusty French bread