Braised Chicken with Apricots and Pistachios

Ulaş Tekerkaya, chef at Somatçı Fihi Ma Fih restaurant in Konya, Turkey, bases many offerings on his menu on his research into the origins of the Ottoman Empire. This braise was loosely inspired by a rich, elegant chicken dish he prepared for us on a recent visit. Dried fruits, shallots, spices and nuts create a sweet-savory flavor for meaty bone-in chicken thighs. We brown only the skin side of the thighs on the stovetop, then braise them in the oven browned side up so the skin remains crisp. To finish the dish, a little butter rounds out the flavors with its richness and lemon juice and fresh parsley keep the sweetness of the fruits in check. Serve with a simple rice pilaf.