Chicken with Garlic and Lemon Cream Sauce

 8 chicken thighs (with bone and skin)

1/2 stick butter

2 TBSP olive oil

20 cloves garlic - whole

1/2 cup chopped sweet onions

1 cup white wine (or chicken broth)

2 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup lemon juice 

1/2 cup capers

1 cup sliced mushrooms

salt and pepper to taste

2 TBSP Lemon zest for garnish

Chopped green onion tops for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Season chicken with salt and pepper. 

Melt butter and olive oil in a large nonstick/cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Sauté chicken on each side for 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet, cover and set aside.

Add garlic and onions to skillet; cook until they soften and turn light brown in color, about 2-3 minutes.

Add wine and scrape up any bits in the pan with a spatula. Add cream, lemon juice and mushrooms; stir to combine. Let mixture come to a simmer, stirring constantly. Add capers. Return chicken to skillet and cook for another 10-20 minutes or until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through completely.

Great with rice or mashed potatoes.

Salsa

 I've been making this recipe for years. My friend's Dad gave it to me when I was in high school, and I adapted it a little over time. It won second prize in a contest a few years ago! 

If you prefer to make it from all fresh ingredients, you can. Just sub chopped fresh tomatoes (seeded) and leave out the tomato sauce. 

Salsa:

1/2 to 1 green bell pepper

1/2 large onion

2 cloves garlic

Jalapenos to taste (fresh or canned will work)

Cilantro to taste

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 small can tomato sauce

Cut vegetables and put in bowl of food processor - process until roughly diced. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce; process in short bursts until mixed and the desired consistency. Stir in 1 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp lime juice. 

Let sit for at least one hour before using. Makes one quart.

I've made this using the food processor or by hand, using fresh tomatoes or canned, and it's always great! I usually add more garlic and cilantro. Experiment to your heart's content!