Almendrado con Pollo (Chicken in Almond Sauce)

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1 Place chicken, 1/2 cup of the onion, 3 of the garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of the salt in large saucepan. Add just enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 45 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove chicken from broth; keep warm. Reserve 2 cups broth; set aside. Discard remaining broth along with onions and garlic. (Or strain and refrigerate for use in other recipes.)
• 2 Heat large skillet or comal on medium-high heat until hot. Add remaining onion and garlic, and tomato; cook until charred on all sides turning frequently, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer onion, garlic, tomatoes, reserved 2 cups chicken broth, almonds, oregano, black pepper, cinnamon and remaining 1 teaspoon salt to blender container. Blend on high until smooth.
• 3 Heat oil in large saucepan on medium heat. Add sauce mixture from blender. Bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook and stir about 15 minutes or until thickened (consistency should be similar to heavy cream). Add chicken, turning to coat in sauce. Garnish with additional chopped almonds and cilantro, and serve with rice and beans, if desired.