Braised Chicken Thighs with Chicken Skin Gremolata

Step 1

Pour 1 cup boiling water over dried cherries in a bowl; let stand 30 minutes. Drain.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 375°.

Step 3

Remove skin from chicken. Place the skin flat on a parchment-lined jelly-roll pan. Bake at 375° for 40 minutes, making sure skin gets brown and thoroughly crisp but not burned. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with dash of salt and dash of pepper. Finely chop; set aside.

Step 4

Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add chicken to pan, meaty side down; cook 4 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove from pan. Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and sliced garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Add wine; cook 1 minute or until reduced by half. Return chicken to pan; add cherries, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, stock, thyme, and vinegar. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until chicken is tender. Remove chicken from pan; keep warm. Increase heat to medium-high; cook sauce 2 minutes or until slightly thickened (about 1 cup).

Step 5

Combine skin, rind, parsley, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Serve chicken with sauce; top with gremolata.