Ingredients
Olive oil
8 thin slices baguette, cut on diagonal
4 cloves garlic, 1 halved and 3 chopped
Sea salt
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 cup defrosted pearl onions or 24 fresh pearl onions, peeled
1 1/2 cups chicken stock, divided
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 teaspoon sugar
3-4 thick slices uncured bacon or pancetta, small dice
8 pieces chicken: 4 6-ounce boneless, skinless breasts, 2 bone-in skinless thighs and 2 bone-in skinless legs
Salt and pepper
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 large fresh bay leaf
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
1 1/2 cups dry young red wine (with a little fruit taste to it)
2 teaspoons potato starch
12 large white mushrooms, quartered
Directions
Pre-heat the oven to 350°F. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil on both sides and arrange on a metal rack set on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until evenly golden, 12-15 minutes. Remove from the oven and rub the warm toast with the halved garlic clove; season with sea salt and top with a little parsley, reserving some of the parsley for garnish. Place the pearl onions in a small skillet with 1/2 cup chicken stock and a pat of butter. Sprinkle with sugar and bring to simmer, then let the onions reduce until the liquid evaporates and the onions brown; cover and reserve. Heat a large, cast iron skillet or other heavy pan over medium to medium-high heat with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a turn of the pan. Add the bacon and crisp; remove. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and add to the pan; brown for 2-3 minutes per side, then remove the chicken to a plate. Add the chopped onion, carrot, chopped garlic, bay and thyme and stir for 2-3 minutes to soften. Add the bacon back to the pan with the wine and about 1 cup stock. Add the dark meat back to skillet and simmer at a low rolling bubble, 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally. Add the white meat and simmer for 6-8 minutes more, turning occasionally. Stir in the potato starch to thicken, then remove from the heat. Meanwhile, in small skillet over medium to medium-high heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add the mushrooms and brown for 4-5 minutes; season with a little salt and pepper and toss with parsley. To serve, line a shallow bowl with crispy toasts and top with one small breast and one piece of dark meat, the pearl onions and mushrooms.