Chicken Stovies: Traditional Scottish Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 40 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Description:
Delve into the heart of Scottish culinary tradition with Chicken Stovies. Derived from the French term ‘etouffee,’ which means ‘stewed in a closed vessel,’ this dish has earned its place as a beloved Highland delicacy, potentially tracing its roots to France but firmly entrenched in Scottish culture. The preparation of stovies, like many cherished national dishes, sparks lively debates among Scots, each household having its own take. This traditional recipe encapsulates the essence of the bird, ensuring a soul-warming meal that speaks to the heritage and flavors of Scotland.
Recipe Category: Stew
Keywords: One Dish Meal, Lunch/Snacks, Chicken, Potato, Poultry, Vegetable, Meat, Scottish, European, Kid Friendly, Free Of…, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1066.3
- Fat Content: 58.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 18.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 274.2mg
- Sodium Content: 431.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 58.9g
- Fiber Content: 6.2g
- Sugar Content: 4.1g
- Protein Content: 72.9g
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 broiler-fryer chickens
- 12 shallots
- 2 1/2 russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by cutting the chicken into serving pieces.
- Slice the potatoes into medium-thick rounds.
- Peel and prepare the shallots.
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Preheat and Brown:
- Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
- In a skillet or saucepan, melt 1 heaped tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Lightly brown the chicken joints on both sides, then set them aside.
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Layer in the Casserole Dish:
- Grease an ovenproof casserole dish with butter.
- Start layering the ingredients in the dish as follows: sliced potatoes, whole shallots or sliced onions (all well-seasoned), and the browned chicken pieces.
- Dot each layer with small knobs of butter to infuse flavor throughout.
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Building the Layers:
- Continue layering until all the ingredients are used, ensuring the top layer consists of potatoes.
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Add the Liquid and Cover:
- Pour stock over the layers of potatoes, shallots, and chicken to keep the dish moist during cooking.
- Cover the casserole dish with buttered greaseproof paper, followed by the lid to seal in the flavors.
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Cooking Time:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and cook for about 2½ hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Check and Adjust:
- After about an hour of cooking, check the dish. If the liquid has dried up too much, add a little hot stock or water to maintain the desired consistency.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Just before serving, sprinkle the top of the stovies generously with chopped parsley to add a fresh burst of flavor and vibrant color.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and intensify.
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Enjoy the Heartiness:
- Serve your Chicken Stovies hot, savoring each comforting bite that pays homage to Scotland’s rich culinary heritage.
Whether enjoyed as a hearty family meal, a comforting lunch, or a dish to share with friends, Chicken Stovies brings warmth and tradition to the table, making it a cherished favorite in Scottish kitchens and beyond.
