Chicken with Shallots

8 chicken thighs

2 tbs flour

1 tbs kosher salt

1 tbs black pepper

2 tbs unsalted butter

12 -15 whole medium shallots , peeled

2 cups white wine

2 tbs dijon mustard

2 sprigs tarragon

2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Chicken

Dredge chicken in salt and shake off excess

In a black steel pan over high heat until very hot. 

Add 1 tablespoon of the oil and heat until the surface is rippling but not smoking. Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, add 4 chicken thighs, skin side down, and lower the heat slightly, to medium-high. 

Weight down the thighs with a heavy plate to create an even sear across the entire surface and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until evenly golden but not too dark in any spots. 

Check after the first 1 to 2 minutes to ensure no black spots are forming and lower the heat as needed. 

Place the thighs, skin side up, in a single layer in the Dutch oven and repeat two more times with the remaining oil and chicken thighs, draining the pan , reserving the oil and wiping it completely dry after each batch.

Sauce

Meanwhile In a separate pan add the reserved oil heat until medium hot

Add the shallots and cook about 10-15 minutes until they soften and carmelize

Add the wine to deglaze the pot , stir with a large spoon about 10 minutes until wine reduces by half

Add mustard and tarragon

Cooking:

Add the shallot mixture to the dutch oven taking care that liquid rises to the edge of the crispy skin but does not cover

Cover pot , turn to low and simmer for 30 minutes

Remove lid and cook additional 15-20 minutes to let sauce thicken

Add cherry tomatoes to pot, stir and serve

Chef's notes