Introduction
Indulge in a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the rich flavors of chicken, pancetta, and red wine. This recipe will guide you through creating a succulent free-range whole chicken, enhanced with a medley of shallots, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 tablespoons plain flour
– 1 x 1.5kg free-range whole chicken
– Olive oil
– 4 rashers of thickly sliced higher-welfare smoked pancetta or streaky bacon
– 500g shallots
– 200g button mushrooms
– 3 cloves of garlic
– 1 bottle of good robust red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
– 3 fresh bay leaves
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– ½ a bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley (15g)
Prep Time
Preparation time for this dish is approximately 20 minutes, allowing you to gather and prepare all the ingredients before cooking begins.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
– Cook Time: 1 hour
– Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
– Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 190°C/375°F/gas 5.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour and Chicken
In a shallow bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of plain flour with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Joint the chicken into 8 pieces and dust each piece in the seasoned flour.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
In a large, cold shallow casserole pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Fry the floured chicken pieces for 10 minutes, turning them regularly until they are golden all over. Once done, remove the chicken pieces to a plate. You may need to fry in batches.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
Slice the pancetta, peel and slice the shallots, and trim the mushrooms.
Step 5: Fry Pancetta and Vegetables
In the same pan, add the sliced pancetta and fry for 2 minutes. Then, add the shallots and mushrooms, cooking for 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the pancetta is golden. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, crush and add the garlic.
Step 6: Add Wine and Herbs
Pour the bottle of robust red wine into the pan, scraping up any sticky bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a boil, skimming any scum from the top. Add the bay leaves and thyme, then return the chicken pieces to the pan skin-side up.
Step 7: Bake the Chicken
Cover the casserole pan and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and falls off the bone. The sauce should appear rich and dark reddish-brown.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Once cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional sea salt and black pepper if needed. Finely chop the fresh flat-leaf parsley and scatter it over the dish. Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes and seasonal greens, or with crusty bread to enjoy the rich sauce.
Notes
Note 1: Jointing the Chicken
If you are unfamiliar with jointing a chicken, you can ask your butcher to do it for you or watch online tutorials.
Note 2: Choosing Wine
Select a good quality robust red wine such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for the best flavor.
Note 3: Cooking Times
Cooking times may vary based on the size of the chicken pieces, so ensure the chicken is cooked fully and reaches an internal temperature of at least 75°C/165°F.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or seasonal greens.
Cook techniques
Dusting chicken in seasoned flour
Dusting the chicken pieces in seasoned flour helps create a flavorful crust and aids in thickening the sauce during cooking.
Frying for golden color
Frying the chicken until golden on a medium heat ensures a rich flavor and appealing color, while locking in moisture.
Sautéing vegetables
Sautéing the pancetta, shallots, and mushrooms allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to caramelize, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Deglazing with wine
Deglazing with red wine lifts the caramelized bits from the pan, adding depth and richness to the sauce.
Braising
Covering and baking the chicken in the oven allows it to braise slowly, resulting in tender meat that easily falls off the bone.
Finishing with fresh herbs
Scattering fresh parsley at the end adds a burst of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of wine?
Yes, while a robust red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon is recommended, you can use other full-bodied red wines as alternatives.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and the meat easily falls off the bone.
What can I substitute for pancetta?
You can substitute pancetta with bacon or turkey bacon if you prefer a lower-fat option.
Are there alternatives to shallots?
You can use onions as an alternative, though shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken recipe?
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, seasonal greens, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Conclusion
This hearty chicken dish, enriched with the flavors of pancetta, mushrooms, and a robust red wine, offers a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. The slow-cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender chicken and a rich sauce. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners or special gatherings, especially when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Cacciatore
Combine chicken with bell peppers, olives, and tomatoes for an Italian-inspired dish, simmering it in red wine for deep, rich flavors.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Switch to a creamy sauce by adding heavy cream and additional mushrooms, served over pasta for a comforting meal.
Herb-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
Use a similar method but roast the chicken with carrots, potatoes, and a variety of herbs for a rustic one-pan dinner.
Chicken and Chorizo Stew
Replace pancetta with chorizo for a spicier flavor profile, adding bell peppers and chickpeas for a hearty stew.
Chicken and Bean Chili
Incorporate beans, tomatoes, and chili spices into the dish for a warming chicken chili that’s perfect for colder nights.
