Ingredients

1 (3 1/2 pound) chicken, cleaned and cut into 8 serving
portions, and breast cut in 2 pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large cubes
2 red, yellow, or orange peppers, cored, seeded and cut into medium strips
1 stick celery, cut into large pieces
2 small unpeeled eggplants, cut into large cubes
2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
2 tablespoons salt packed capers, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup whole pitted Sicilian olives (the green variety)

4 fresh plum tomatoes, cut into large pieces
5 whole chiles
1 1/2 cups dry red wine
1/4 bunch each fresh chopped mint leaves and parsley leaves
Pinch chile flakes

Instructions

Pat the cleaned chicken dry, and then season the pieces
with salt and pepper. In a 12 to 14-inch saute pan, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil until hot
but not smoking. Carefully add the chicken pieces and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes
per side. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

In the pan with the chicken drippings add potatoes, peppers, celery, eggplant, carrot,
capers, olives, tomatoes and whole chiles. Toss together. Add the wine and chicken, season
with salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Cover, lower the heat to a simmer and cook for
about 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove from the heat and stir in chopped
mint, parsley and a pinch of chili flakes.

Transfer the cooked stew to a serving dish and allow to cool to room temperature before
serving. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and serve.