Kapama Braised Cinnamon Chicken Recipes

EASY CHICKEN KAPAMA

Steps:

• Season chicken well on both sides with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the ground cinnamon. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, cook the chicken until it begins to lightly brown in spots, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Set aside. (If it's not cooked through at this point, that's O.K.)
• Add the onion and the garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion begins to soften and the garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt.
• Stir in the tomato paste, tomatoes, 1/4 cup water and the cinnamon stick(s). Add the chicken and any residual juices, stir to coat with the sauce and bring to a simmer. Turn heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes. Add a few tablespoons water if needed to thin out the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
• Serve the chicken over buttered egg noodles or orzo, if using, spooning the tomato sauce on top. Top with the herbs and grated cheese, if using.

CHICKEN KAPAMA - GREEK BRAISED CHICKEN IN SPICED TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 325F
• Pat chicken thighs dry and season them with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
• In a heated 7-9 quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the chicken in 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 5-7 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed, as as to not crowd the pan. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
• Return the pot to the heat and heat the remaining olive oil.
• Add the onion and stir. Cook for 5 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• Add the carrots, celery, garlic, and ground cinnamon (if using cinnamon sticks, wait to add them). Cook for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the wine, vinegar, honey, and tomato paste. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until reduced by half.
• Add crushed tomatoes and cook 5 minutes more.
• Return the chicken to the pot. Cover it with the chicken broth, add bay leaves and cinnamon sticks (if using). Pour in chicken broth or water. Stir to combine.
• Bing contents of the pot to boil. Cover the pot and place in the oven. Braise for 2 hours, or until tender.
• Serve over your favorite rice, potatoes, or pasta.