Serves 4
1 chicken (2 1 half-3 pounds), cut into 8 pieces- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 5 peeled garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 peeled, coarsely chopped medium yellow onions
- 1 half cup dry white wine
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1-6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 half cup grated Mizithra cheese
Pre-boil water with sea salt.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. A wet chicken will cause the oil to splatter while the chicken is sauteing. Mix the cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the chicken pieces on all sides with the seasoning.
Mince 3 of the garlic cloves. Heat the olive oil in a large non-reactive deep skillet over high heat, A 12 inch skillet with sides about 2 ½ to 3 inches high will allow you to brown all the chicken at once. If you dont have a skillet large enough, brown them in two batches using 1/2 the oil for each batch. Whats important is that the chicken isnt overcrowded which would cause them to steam rather than brown.
Add the chicken to the oil and brown for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Turn the pieces using a metal spatula, as they have a tendency to stick to the pan. Remove the pieces when they are well browned on all sides.
Lower the heat to medium-high and add the onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the onions have softened and are a rich golden brown. Add the wine, and scrap the bottom of the pan with a spatula or spoon to deglaze the pan, loosening any particles stuck on the bottom.
When the wine has evaporated, add the water, chicken stock, tomato paste, fresh oregano and remaining 2 garlic cloves. Return the chicken to the pan. The liquid should cover about 3/4 of the chicken pieces. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for about an hour or until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked. If the sauce becomes too thick, it can be thinned with a little more water. Season the finished sauce with Kosher salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the chicken topped with the sauce and sprinkle with Mizithra cheese.