3poundschickencut into serving size pieces or chicken breasts, skinless
8dried California figs (or prunes)snipped in half, stems removed
8ouncestomato sauce
½cuponionchopped
2clovesgarlicminced
¼cupwhite wine or apple juice
2tablespoonolive oil
2bay leaves
1teaspoondried thyme leaves
½teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonblack pepper
½teaspoonground allspice
½cupgreen bell pepperchopped (optional)
2tablespoonstoasted sesame seeds or slivered almondsfor serving
Instructions
Stove Top Method:
Warm the oil in a heavy pot or large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown on all sides, leaving the chicken in the pan after browning. Add all remaining ingredients except sesame seeds/almonds; cover.
Reduce heat to medium and cook for 20 to 30 minutes until chicken is done.
Spoon the chicken and sauce into a serving bowl. Sprinkle sesame seeds or almonds on top and serve piping hot.
Oven Method:
Warm the oil in a heavy pot or large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and brown on all sides, leaving the chicken in the pan after browning. Add all remaining ingredients except sesame seeds/almonds; cover.
Place covered pan in oven at 325°F and cook for 1.5 hours (chicken pieces) or 2 hours (chicken breasts), until chicken is cooked through.
Spoon the chicken and sauce into a serving bowl. Sprinkle sesame seeds or almonds on top and serve piping hot.
Instant Pot Method:
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Increase the wine or juice to ½ cup, and place all ingredients (except sesame seeds/almonds) on top of the chicken. Place the lid on in the locked position and turn the vent to the sealed position. Set pressure cooker to "pressure cook" for 15 minutes. Use the "quick-release" pressure setting by turning the vent to the venting position to keep the chicken from overcooking.
Spoon the chicken and sauce into a serving bowl. Sprinkle sesame seeds or almonds on top and serve piping hot.
*For frozen chicken breasts, do not increase wine. Increase cook time to 20 minutes.
Slow Cooker Method:
Season the chicken with salt and pepper and oil, and place in the bottom of the slow cooker. Increase the wine or juice to ½ cup, and add all ingredients (except sesame seeds/almonds) over the chicken. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for about 6 hours, until chicken is done.
Spoon the chicken and sauce into a serving bowl. Sprinkle sesame seeds or almonds on top and serve piping hot.
Video
Notes
Serve with rice, polenta, or a big green salad. Store in refrigerator in a sealed container for 4 days.