4 people
DINNER
Ina Garten Modern Comfort (p. 108)
Skin-on chicken thighs - 3 lbs
Buttermilk - 2 1⁄2 cups
Dijon mustard - 2 tbl
Paprika - 1⁄8 tsp
White wine - 1 tbl
Thyme - 3 sprigs
Gold potatoes - 1 lb
Garlic - 3 cloves
Chives - 3 sprigs
Buttermilk - shake well
Thyme - mine to yield 1 1/2 tsp
Gold potatoes - unpeeled, slice 1/4-inch thick
Garlic - mince to yield 1 tbl
Chives - mince to yield 1 tbl
At least 4 hours before serving, sprinkle the chicken all over with 1 tsp salt and 1⁄2 tsp pepper. Place in a 1-gallon sealable plastic bag and pour in the buttermilk. Seal the bag and massage it lightly to be sure the chicken is coated with the buttermilk. Place in the refrigerator to marinate.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour 2 tbl olive oil in an unheated 12-inch cast-iron skillet and tilt the pan so the oil covers the bottom. Lift the thighs out of the buttermilk, letting any excess butttermilk drip off, and place them in the skillet, skin side up, in one layer. Discard the marinade. In a small bowl, combine the mustard and wine and brush it on the top of the chicken. Sprinkle with the thyme, paprika, 1 tsp salt and 1⁄2 tsp pepper. Place the skillet in the oven and roast the chicken for 30 minutes.
Using tongs, transfer the chicken to a plate and put the potatoes, garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1⁄2 tsp pepper into the skillet. Toss to coat with the pan juices then spread the potatoes out. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on the potatoes. Roast 30 minutes longer, until the chicken registers 155 degrees on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer just the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm. Return the skillet to the oven, raise the temperature to 425 degrees, and roast the potatoes for 15 minutes, until they're tender and starting to brown. Return the chicken to the pan and sprinkle with the chives, and extra salt. Serve hot from the skillet.