Pimientos replace the classic roasted red bell pepper in this Southern spin on Spanish romesco sauce, traditionally made with roasted red peppers and almonds.
Chicken Thighs with Pimiento-Pecan Sauce
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 (7-ounce) jars whole pimientos, drained
- ¼ cup pecan halves
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes with herbs, drained
- 1 slice crusty French bread, torn (about 1 ounce)
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 medium cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound small Yukon gold potatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 1⁄3 cup Castelvetrano olives
- Garnish: chopped fresh oregano, flaked sea salt
- Crusty French bread, to serve
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- In the work bowl of a food processor, place pimientos, pecans, tomatoes, bread, 3 tablespoons oil, vinegar, 2 cloves garlic, paprika, and 1 teaspoon salt; pulse until coarsely chopped. Pulse again until well combined and smooth. Set aside.
- Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over high heat. Rub chicken with remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add chicken to skillet, skin side down; cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken, and set aside.
- Add potatoes and minced garlic to skillet; cook, stirring frequently, until potatoes are browned. Add oregano and remaining ½ teaspoon salt; cook for 10 minutes. Return chicken to skillet.
- Bake until a meat thermometer inserted in center registers 165°, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle with olives. Garnish with oregano and flaked salt, if desired. Serve with sauce and French bread.
