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1
To prepare the artichokes, trim the artichokes and cut them into halves or wedges, about 1 1/2 inches wide; soak them in acidulated water (see Preparing Artichokes, page 213).
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2
Rinse the chicken, and pat it dry.
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3
Cut it up into 10 or 12 pieces (including the backbone), and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
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4
Heat the olive oil in the big saucepan over medium-high heat, and lay the chicken pieces in it without crowdingcook them in batches if necessary.
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5
Brown the pieces for about 3 minutes on one side, turn, and cook another 3 minutes, until each is nicely colored on all sides.
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6
Remove the pieces to a platter or bowl.
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7
When all the chicken is out of the pan, drop the crushed garlic into the hot fat and cook it for a minute or two, until sizzling.
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8
Lift the artichoke wedges out of the water, and drop them, still damp, into the saucepan.
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9
Stir well, and season them with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the peperoncino.
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10
Cook the artichokes for 4 or 5 minutes, tossing them often and deglazing the browned bits on the pan bottom.
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11
When the artichokes are dry and starting to take on color, pour in the wine and cook over high heat, stirring, until it is nearly evaporated, about 3 minutes.
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12
Pour in the tomatoes and 3 cups water; slosh the tomato containers with some of the water to rinse them into the pan.
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13
Cover the pan, and bring the liquid to a boil.
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14
Adjust the heat to maintain a steady bubbling, and cook the artichokes and sauce for about 15 minutes.
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15
Return all the chicken pieces (and any accumulated juices on the platter) to the saucepan, submerging them in the sauce.
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16
Cover the pan, get the sauce perking again, and cook chicken and artichokes together for about 40 minutes.
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17
The chicken should be nearly done, the artichokes tender, and the sauce somewhat reduced.
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18
Set the cover ajaror remove it altogetherand continue cooking 15 minutes or more, until the sauce has thickened and coats the chicken and artichoke pieces.
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19
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
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20
Serve right away, orfor the best flavorlet the chicken cool in the pot and reheat later.
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21
If the sauce has thickened, stir in a bit of water.
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22
Serve hot from the pan, or from a big bowl if you prefer.
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23
Sprinkle the parsley over it just before serving.