2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oilplus extra for frying
1brown onionlarge, finely diced
3clovesgarlicfinely chopped
1eggplantsmall, diced
1zucchinilarge, diced
400gcanned diced tomatoes
310gjarred roasted red pepper stripsdrained
230gsicilian green olivespitted
sea salt & cracked black pepper
1/2cupbasil leavesoptional, for garnish
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 180°C conventional (160°C fan-forced).
Lay out the chicken pieces (skin side up) and pat dry with paper towel to absorb the moisture. Sprinkle over 1 tablespoon of the italian herbs.
Heat an ovenproof saucepan or casserole dish over medium heat. Add the olive oil and fry the chicken thighs (skin side down first) in batches, for 3 minutes each side, or until golden. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the eggplant and zucchini and stir for 3–4 minutes. Add the remaining italian herbs, canned tomatoes and red pepper strips. Combine well. Place the chicken pieces on top of the tomato mix (skin side up). Cover and bake in the oven for 1.5 hours. You can remove the lid for the last 10–15 minutes and turn the oven up to result in crispy skin on the chicken.
Remove from the oven, add the green olives and stir through. Season well and scatter over the basil leaves if desired.