Feta Stuffed Chicken Braised with Green Olives and Capers*

I know, two chicken entries in a row, but I am making this tonight for my dinner, and wanted to share it with you. I am doing this in my 10 in 1 small oven - not the main big one downstairs - not gonna crank up that one up in this heat!!. You can use this under the skin stuffing the feta into chicken parts or in a whole chicken, pushing it under the skin of the thigh, drumstick , breast, back, and also in the cavity.
(serves 4)

3 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)
1 t. chopped fresh* rosemary leaves or 1/2 t. dried
1 clove of garlic*, minced
1/2 t. unsalted Kerrygold* butter
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
3&1/2 to 4 lbs. chicken (back removed), or 3 lbs. chicken parts, rinsed, and patted dry
Kosher salt, to taste
1 T. EVOO
1/2 cup dry white wine
18 small green olives
1 t. capers*, rinsed and chopped

Heat oven to 350. In a small bowl, mash together the feta, rosemary, garlic, butter, and pepper with a fork. Using your fingers and a spoon, push the feta stuffing under the skin of the chicken, being gentle so as not to rip the skin. Put some stuffing under the tenderloin part of the chicken, as well. Season the parts with S&P. Heat a deep, ovenproof 10" skillet until the pan is hot, at least 2 min.s Add the olive oil and sear the chicken pieces, skin side down, until the skin is golden brown, about 4 mins. per pieces. Do this in batches, if necessary. Transfer to a plate, drain the fat from the pan, and deglaze the skillet with white wine and broth, scraping up any stuck on bits to dissolve them. Return the chicken (skin side up) to the skillet, and the olives and capers, and put the skillet in the oven. Bake until the juices run clear when pricked with a fork, about 40 mins. Transfer the chicken, olives, and capers to a warm plate. Boil the juices in the pan over high heat until they reduce and thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 4 mins. Pour the sauce over the chicken and serve.

"Don't let what you can't do stop you from doing what you CAN do." ~ John Wooden

Count your many Blessings today!!

Love,

MM