The Most Beautiful Chicken Dinner We've Ever Seen and Tasted

Chicken with lentils and green apples isn't exactly a standard combination, but in his new book America Farm to Table, chef Mario Batali makes it seem as if the ingredients have been showing up on plates together forever. They not only look fantastic when you get them all in one place, but also offer explosive taste and texture. A bread-crumb coating helps make boneless chicken thighs crispy; you can cook them on a grill or in the oven. They sit atop a scoop of lentils that you've cooked with garlic and shallots, with a handful of diced carrots for a pop of color. Ladled over everything is a sweet-tart dressing made from cubes of Granny Smith apple, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and olive oil.

Get the recipe: BBQ Chicken Thighs with Lentils and Green Apple Vinaigrette