Pollo alla Niero

This recipe has been passed down in my family from a generation to another. It is not difficult, but it is a little time consuming, so I usually prepare this dish when I have some guests over for lunch or dinner. It's delicious.

Ingredients
(serves 6)

• 12 chicken tights (you can substitute with chicken breasts if needed)
• 3 green peppers
• 1 can chopped tomatoes (freshly chopped San Marzanos are the best)
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic (chopped)
• Italian Herbs (thyme, oregano, marjoram)
• extra virgin olive oil
• sea salt

Step By Step instructions

• Use a large and deep non-stick pan. It should be large enough to contain all the chicken in a single layer. Also pick one that is relatively deep to avoid spills.
• Wash the vegetables and chop them separately
• In a large (and deep) pan add olive oil and the chopped onions.
• Saute' the onions until they are transparent.
• Add half the garlic to the bottom.
• Add the chicken in a single layer.
• Cover everything with the freshly chopped tomatoes. The chicken should be covered at this point. If not, add some more tomato sauce.
• Add the rest of the garlic, some more olive oil, and the salt at this stage.
• Start cooking on medium until the sauce starts boiling, then continue cooking on low. This is very important: slower the cooking, better the final result.
• Add the sliced bell-pepper on top.
• Cover with a lid to ensure even cooking, and to reduce spilling and power consumption.
• Every 15 minutes very gently move the chicken around to ensure even cooking.
• You want to keep cooking until the chicken is well-done and very tender. The meat should separate completely from the bone. I usually cook it on low for a couple of hours. This is one of those dishes that more you cook it, better it is. If it starts to get dry, add a little bit of broth or more tomato sauce.
• When it is ready sprinkle the Italian herbs on it. Serve warm, with the delicious sauce.

Notes

• This dish should be served with good bread: you will want to dip it in the delicious bell pepper - tomato sauce this dish comes with!
• This is one of those dishes that can be enjoyed for few days in a row: every time you reheat it it gets better! This makes it a great dish for potlucks. You can cook it the day before, and simply reheat it on the day of the event.