Serves: 4  
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes 
Cooking time: 1 ½ hours 

This classic French chicken casserole is rich and deep in flavor and perfect for a chilly day.  


Ingredients

  • 1 chicken, jointed into 8 pieces 
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 
  • 20g butter 
  • 20 round shallots, peeled and left whole 
  • 300g small button mushrooms 
  • 150g pancetta, cut into lardons 
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 
  • 2 tbsp plain flour 
  • 100ml cognac 
  • 400ml red wine 
  • 450ml chicken stock 
  • 1 bay leaf 
  • 1 sprig thyme 
  • 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped 

Directions

1Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.

2Heat half the oil and butter in a large casserole, and brown the chicken pieces well, ensuring the skin becomes crisp and brown. Set aside.

3Melt the remaining butter with the oil and add the shallots, mushrooms and pancetta. Cook for 10 minutes until well browned, stirring regularly to ensure even browning. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the flour and cook for a further minute.

4In a separate pan bring the red wine to the boil and reduce by half. Pour the cognac into a jug and light carefully with a long match. Pour into the casserole and shake the pan until the flames subside.

5Add the reduced red wine and chicken stock, return the chicken pieces to the pan, and add the bay leaf and thyme.

6Cover the casserole and cook in the preheated oven for one hour.

7Serve garnished with the parsley, with plain boiled potatoes.

Note

It is important that this dish is made with chicken on the bone. Ask your butcher to joint a chicken for you, or use thighs and drumsticks. 

ukshallot.com 

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