Braised Chicken with Swiss Chard
1 large bunch Swiss chard, rinsed and dried
2 slices bacon, diced
6 chicken thighs
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
1 shallot, minced
3 thyme sprigs
1⁄2 C. dry red wine
1 C. chicken stock or low-sodium broth
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
3 Tbsp. minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
Hold a stalk of Swiss chard and slide your other hand along the stalk, stripping away the leaf. Repeat with all of the leaves. Trim away the bottom of the stalks and cut the stalks into 1⁄2” thick slices. Cut the leaves into 1” pieces. Set aside.
In a skillet just large enough to hold all the chicken pieces in a single layer, fry the bacon over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high.
Season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper and add to the skillet, skin side down. Cook until browned, about 4 minutes on each side. Using tongs, transfer to a plate.
Add the Swiss chard stalks to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate. Add the carrot, celery, half of the shallot, and the thyme sprigs to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and cook until nearly dry, about 5 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Add the chicken, skin side up. Cover with a lid slightly askew and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the chicken is opaque throughout, about 20 minutes. Using a slotted metal spatula, transfer the chicken to a plate.
Remove the thyme sprigs from the pan and whisk in the mustard. Stir in the Swiss chard leaves and cook until wilted. Stir in the Swiss chard stalks, the butter, and 2 Tbsp. of the parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the Swiss chard among 6 shallow bowls or small plates and place a piece of chicken on top. Sprinkle with the bacon and the remaining parsley and serve.