Homestyle Chicken with Polenta: A Comforting Family Recipe

Chicken with polenta is a delicious, comforting combination of tender chicken and creamy polenta, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices. It’s the ultimate soul-warming comfort food—let’s get to the recipe!

Ingredients for Chicken with Polenta:

Chicken:

• 2.2 lbs (1kg) chicken thighs and drumsticks, skin-on or off;
• Juice of 1 orange;
• 1 clove garlic, minced;
• 1 medium onion, diced;
• 2 tomatoes, diced;
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil;
• Salt to taste;
• Fresh parsley and scallions, chopped, to taste;
• Paprika to taste (or annatto if available);
• Black pepper to taste;
• 1 tbsp butter;
• Water as needed for cooking.

Polenta:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind);
• 3 cups water (or chicken broth);
• Salt to taste;
• 1 tsp olive oil;
• 1 clove garlic, mashed.

How to Prepare Chicken with Polenta:

Chicken:

1. Sauté the garlic and onion in olive oil until golden brown;
2. Add the chicken pieces and sear until browned on all sides;
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for another minute;
4. Add the spices (paprika, salt, pepper) and the orange juice;
5. Add the butter and pour in enough water to barely cover the chicken;
6. Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes;
7. If the water evaporates too much, add a splash more, adjusting salt and seasonings as needed;
8. When almost done, stir in the fresh parsley and scallions and remove from heat;
9. Set aside and move on to the polenta.

Polenta:

1. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil and sauté the mashed garlic until fragrant (be careful not to burn it);
2. Whisk in the cornmeal, salt, and water;
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick and smooth;
4. Remove from heat. Pour into small molds or a single serving dish to set;
5. Let it cool slightly before unmolding;
6. Serve your chicken over the warm polenta. Enjoy!

Pro Tip:

For an extra layer of flavor, use the chicken cooking juices (instead of plain water) to cook your polenta. It makes the dish incredibly rich and savory.

Did you know?

Polenta has become a beloved comfort food globally, with countless regional variations shaped by local cultures. Today, it stands as a versatile, essential pantry staple.

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