3lbsbone-in/skin-on chicken breasts, or thighs, legs or drumsticks or combination
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1Tablespoonolive oil
5ozpancetta, diced (or bacon diced)
3clovesgarlic, thinly sliced
1/4tspred pepper flakes
28ozcanned whole plum tomatoes
1largesprig of basil, plus more chopped basil for serving
8ozbocconcini, halved (or use mozzarella cut into 3/4-inch pieces)
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Instructions
Heat oven to 400° F. (regular bake setting/not fan assisted) Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until browned. Remove pancetta to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Add chicken to skillet. Sear, turning only occasionally, until well browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large plate. Pour off all but 1 Tbsp. of the oil.
Add garlic, anchovy (if using) and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and basil. Cook, breaking up tomatoes with a spoon, until sauce thickens somewhat, about 10 minutes.
Return chicken to skillet. Transfer skillet to oven and cook, uncovered, until chicken is no longer pink, about 30 minutes for thighs/drumsticks and up to 45 minutes for large breasts/legs.
(*Note: if using large chicken breasts, you may want to remove them from the pan before broiling. As they sit quite high up in the pan, they are likely to burn on top before the bocconcini are browned/melted.)
Scatter bocconcini (or mozzarella) and pancetta pieces over skillet. Adjust oven to broil. Return skillet to oven and broil until cheese is melted and bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes (watch carefully to see that it does not burn). Garnish with chopped basil before serving.
Notes
Be sure to read the notes above this Recipe Card, for more tips, options, substitutions and variations for this recipe!