Chicken with Chestnuts

Directions

1. 1
   Heat the butter and oil in a large pan.
2. 2
   Put in the onions, cover, and let them soften slowly over medium heat, stirring from time to time.
3. 3
   When they begin to color, stir in the ginger, saffron, and cinnamon.
4. 4
   Put in the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and turn to brown them lightly all over.
5. 5
   Add 1 cup water and cook, covered, turning the chicken pieces over at least once.
6. 6
   Lift out the breasts when they are done, after about 15 to 20 minutes, and put them to one side.
7. 7
   Lift out the remaining chicken pieces about 25 minutes later, when they are very tender.
8. 8
   Let the onions reduce to a rich, brown sauce.
9. 9
   Stir in the honey (I use only 1 tablespoon) and taste to make sure you have enough salt to balance the sweetness and enough pepper to mitigate it.
10. 10
    Put in the chestnuts and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender, adding a little water, if necessary.
11. 11
    Return the chicken pieces to the pan and simmer for a few minutes until the chestnuts are soft, and the chicken has absorbed the honeyed flavors.