Creamy polenta provides a wonderful counterpoint to this hearty stew. To time everything right, bring the water to a boil while the chicken is browning, then add the polenta to the water when beginning step three of the chicken recipe.

　　

Ingredients

serves 4

　　1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 3/4-inch chunks

　　Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper

　　3 teaspoons olive oil

　　4 garlic cloves, minced

　　1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

　　4 plum tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (2 cups)

　　2 tablespoons chopped pitted kalamata olives (about 5)

　　1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar

　　1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

　　Polenta (recipe page 360), for serving

　　

Step 1

Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, and cook, turning occasionally, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

　　

Step 2

Reduce the heat to medium-low; add the remaining teaspoon oil to the skillet. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chickpeas and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil; cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Add the tomatoes; cook over medium heat until starting to break down, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the olives, vinegar, and chicken along with any accumulated juices to the pan; toss until warmed through, about 1 minute. Stir in the parsley. Serve over the polenta.

　　

substituting with shrimp

Step 4

This recipe can also be made with 1 1/2 pounds peeled and deveined shrimp instead of chicken; replace the chick peas with cannellini beans.

　　Reprinted with permission from Everyday Food: Great Food Fast by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Copyright © 2007 by Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Published by Crown Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved.Martha Stewart Living magazine was first published in 1990. Over the years, more than two dozen books have been published by the magazine's editors.Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the successful daily syndicated television show.