Ingredients
2 pounds sauerkraut, drained
2 pounds chicken leg quarters (about 3), split into drumsticks and thighs (see Smart Strategy note) and patted dry
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound kielbasa, cut into 1-inch pieces
5 medium carrots, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 cups dry white wine, such as dry Riesling or Pinot Gris
2 tablespoons sugar
2 dried bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
Preparation
In a large bowl, cover sauerkraut with water. Heat a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to pot, skin side down, and cook, turning until browned on all sides, 8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Add kielbasa, cut side down, to pot and cook until browned on both sides, about 4 minutes, flipping once. Add carrots, onion, and 1/2 cup water; cook, stirring and scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon, until water is evaporated and onion is softened, 6 to 8 minutes. Add wine and bring to a boil.
Drain sauerkraut, pressing to remove as much liquid as possible. Add to pot, along with sugar, bay leaves, and caraway seeds; season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Place chicken, skin side up, on top of sauerkraut and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, partially cover pot, and rapidly simmer until chicken is cooked through and liquid is slightly reduced, about 20 minutes. Remove bay leaves before serving.
