Coastal Mains

Braised Chicken Thighs with Sweet Peas and Bacon

Name: Braised Chicken Thighs with Sweet Peas and Bacon
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 4 large (5 to 6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 6 smaller thighs; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper; 1 large white onion, peeled and thinly sliced, about 1 ½ cups; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup red wine; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (16-ounce can) sweet peas, drained or 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed; ½ cup sour cream

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The Strategy:

Cooking chicken thighs slow and low in a rich tomato, red wine, and bacon broth yields incredibly tender, flavor-packed meat. Tossed with sweet peas and crispy bacon bits, this dish balances savory depth with a touch of sweetness. It's a hearty, comforting stew that is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy weekend gathering.

Serves: 4 | Total Time: 40 minutes till it's ready

Ingredients

Meats and Onion

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 large (5 to 6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 6 smaller thighs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 large white onion, peeled and thinly sliced, about 1 ½ cups

Sauce and Mix-Ins

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup red wine
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (16-ounce can) sweet peas, drained or 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
½ cup sour cream

Raw cooking ingredients for Braised Chicken Thighs with Sweet Peas and Bacon arranged beautifully on a clean kitchen counter.

Instructions

Cook bacon and brown chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Cook the bacon in the olive oil until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a platter.
Set aside.
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the pan drippings.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken in the pan until browned on one side, about 3 minutes.
Turn and brown on the remaining side, about 3 minutes more.
Transfer to a platter. Carefully pour out the fat from the pan, reserving about 2 tablespoons.

Simmer in tomato sauce and finish

Place the onion into the skillet and cook until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, wine and tomatoes.
Return the chicken to the pan.
Bring to a boil over medium high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Stir in the peas and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more.
Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream and sprinkle the dish with bacon pieces.

Home cook prepared steps for assembling and cooking Braised Chicken Thighs with Sweet Peas and Bacon.

The full recipe lives in the Vault

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The Heart of the Table

The comforting aroma of slow-cooked chicken, bacon, and red wine draws everyone to the kitchen before dinner is even served. Plated in a deep serving bowl, this rich, rustic chicken dish warms the table, bringing a sense of cozy comfort and slow-paced hospitality to the evening.

An appetizing, fresh serving of cooked Braised Chicken Thighs with Sweet Peas and Bacon displayed beautifully on a styled dining table.

The Art of the Host

oatmeal-toned washed linen napkins
a solid copper balloon whisk to perfectly aerate ingredients
a large, hand-thrown ceramic serving platter with an organic rim
a seamless, high-heat resistant silicone spatula in a soft slate grey
a pair of professional-grade stainless steel locking kitchen tongs

Neighborly Grace

THE PRESENTATION: Spoon the tender chicken thighs and rich tomato broth into a deep ceramic bowl, ensuring the bright green peas and crispy bacon bits are scattered beautifully on top. Serve with warm, buttered sourdough bread to soak up the sauce.
THE POUR: Pair this savory, wine-braised chicken with a medium-bodied Merlot or a rich Syrah served at 60°F. For a non-alcoholic option, serve a warm black tea infused with dried orange peel and a hint of honey.
THE VIBE: Covered Veranda. The cool evening breeze and the rich, comforting stew create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere for dining with friends.

Chef’s Recommendations

What Sits Under the Braise: Creamy Smashed Parmesan Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
The Sweet After the Braise: Spanish Churros & Chocolate Sauce
The Sharp Green: Citrus Sautéed Green Beans
The Glass After: Classic Sidecar

The Estate Table

Build tonight’s menu around this dish.

✦ Set the Table

Braised Chicken Thighs with Sweet Peas and Bacon

Braised Chicken Thighs with Sweet Peas and Bacon

The full recipe lives in the Vault

The Heart of the Table

The Art of the Host

Neighborly Grace

✨ The Estate Swaps