Chicken in Tomato Sauce With Chickpeas and Kale

YIELD: Serves 4  *  ACTIVE TIME: 45 minutes  *  TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup breadcrumbs (I didn't use)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dried thyme, divided
1 medium garlic clove, minced or grated with a Microplane
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 shallot, thinly sliced
Pinch of dried red chili flakes
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
1 cup homemade chicken stock or store-bought, low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups lacinato (Tuscan) kale, stems removed and leaves cut into 2-inch ribbons

DIRECTIONS:
1.  Optional if you are going to use breadcrumbs - Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon thyme, and the garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute longer. Transfer breadcrumbs to plate and set aside.

2.  Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and sear on both sides until golden-brown, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

3.  Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shallot and a pinch of salt and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add chili flakes and remaining 1 tablespoon each oregano and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, their liquid and the stock and bring to a simmer, breaking up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Simmer until sauce has thicken slightly, about 10 minutes. Add chicken and simmer until cooked through, about 5 minutes.

4.  Stir in chickpeas and kale and cook until chickpeas are warmed through and kale is wilted, about 2 minutes. Top with the breadcrumbs and serve immediately.

Recipe from Serious Eats.