Somerset Chicken

Serves 4

Preparation time: 15 hrs 

Cooking time approx. 40 mins 



Ingredients:

1 tbsp each olive oil and butter

4 chicken breasts

3 celery sticks, finely chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

300ml/10fl oz chicken stock

300ml/10fl oz dry cider

1 bouquet garni

Butter and soft brown sugar

2 dessert apples, peeled, cored and sliced

2 tbsp Calvados brandy

150ml/5fl oz crème fraiche

AND THIS IS WHAT YOU DO…

1.  Preheat oven to 180c/Fan 160c/Gas 4.

2.  Saute chicken in butter and oil for about 7 minutes in an ovenproof casserole until golden on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm.

3.  Roughly chop all vegetables and add to casserole and soften over a gentle heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.

4.  Add stock, cider, herbs, season and bring to the boil. Return the chicken plus juices, cover and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender.

5.  Turn chicken halfway through cooking and add more cider, if needed.

6.  Meanwhile, melt butter and sugar in frying pan, add apple slices and fry gently until softened. Add Calvados, ignite to burn off alcohol, then stir in crème fraiche.

7.  Stir this into the casserole and reheat until sauce thickens. If necessary use thickening granules.