Craig Claiborne's Smothered Chicken With Mushrooms

Step 1

Craig Claiborne believed a black iron skillet to be essential for the authentic preparation of this dish. Sprinkle the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Select a skillet large enough to hold the chicken comfortably when it is opened up as for broiling. Fold the chicken wings under to hold them secure.

Step 2

Melt half the butter in the pan and add the chicken skinside down. Cover the chicken firmly with a plate that will fit comfortably inside the pan. Place a heavy can, stone or brick on the top of the plate to weight it down. Cook over low heat, checking the skin side of the chicken, until it is nicely browned, approximately 25 minutes.

Step 3

Remove weight and plate and weights. Pour off most of the fat from the pan and add the remaining two tablespoons of butter. Turn the chicken skin-side up.

Step 4

Scatter the mushrooms over the chicken. Scatter the onions around it. Add the bay leaf, thyme, wine and chicken broth. Replace the plate and the weights and continue cooking over low heat about 45 minutes longer.

Step 5

Remove the chicken to a warm platter. Spoon the mushrooms and onions around the chicken. Cook down the pan liquid until reduced by half. Pour this over the chicken and sprinkle with parsley.