A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 6 to 8 servings. 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 4 chicken thighs, skin on 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise Juice of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon dried

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 6 to 8 servings. 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 4 chicken thighs, skin on 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise Juice of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon dried

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 chicken thighs, skin on
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
6 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1 cup mixed pitted olives
4 tablespoons drained nonpareil capers
¼ cup fresh basil leaves

Preheat oven to 350°, with a rack in the middle position. In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 3 minutes. Turn chicken thighs over and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove thighs from skillet and set aside.

Reduce heat to medium and place chicken breasts in skillet. Cook on each side for 3 minutes. Remove breasts from skillet and set aside.

Keep renderings in skillet and add 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Scrape skillet and simmer with liquids for 2 to 3 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

Place the chicken thighs, skin side up, and the breasts in a baking dish. Scatter the lemon wedges, olives, and capers on top of the chicken. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh reads 165°. Remove from oven. Spoon juices over chicken and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

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This story was published on Apr 15, 2020

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.