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1
For the smoked chicken broth: Place the chicken stock, garlic, celery, carrot, onion and smoked chicken carcass and backbone into a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
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2
Simmer gently for 1 hour over a low flame.
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3
Strain, transfer to a large container and reserve (cool completely if making ahead of time).
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4
For the minestrone: Add the oil to a Dutch oven and bring to medium heat.
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5
Sweat the carrots, celery and onions until softened, 3 to 5 minutes.
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6
Add the garlic and sweat until fragrant, 30 seconds.
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7
Add the potatoes, zucchini, cabbage and season with salt and pepper.
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8
Sweat the vegetables slowly until all are crisp-tender, about 8 minutes.
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9
Pour in the reserved stock and the tomatoes.
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10
Add the Parmesan rind and simmer 12 to 15 minutes; the vegetables should be tender.
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11
Remove from the heat.
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12
Add the navy beans and shredded chicken and stir to combine.
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13
Season with salt and pepper.
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14
Ladle the minestrone into deep bowls and garnish with the shaved parmesan and chopped parsley and basil.
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15
Serve immediately.
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16
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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17
For the chicken: Using kitchen shears, remove the backbone of the chicken and set aside.
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18
Cut the chicken in half, straight through the breastbone.
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19
By separating the chicken into two pieces it will ensure that the chicken gets smoked more thoroughly.
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20
Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, the granulated garlic and smoked paprika.
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21
Place 1 deep aluminum roasting pan over the stove top.
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22
Line with aluminum foil.
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23
Add the soaked wood chips to a large piece of foil, and then fold in the sides to make a pouch.
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24
Punch holes in the top of the pouch, set it directly over a gas burner and turn on high.
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25
Leave for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully.
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26
Once it begins to smoke, using tongs, transfer the pouch to the bottom of the lined roasting pan.
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27
Set a wire rack over the chips in the lined roasting pan and position it so the wood chips are directly over the burner and continue to smoke.
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28
Place the chicken pieces bone-side down on the rack.
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29
Cover tightly with aluminum foil to seal in the smoke.
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30
Put the roasting pan into the oven and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, 45 to 60 minutes.
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31
Remove and cool.
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32
Shred the smoked chicken breast.