Introducing the delectable “Slow-Simmered Chicken,” a culinary marvel that will take your taste buds on a journey of exquisite flavors and tender perfection, brought to you exclusively by lovewithrecipes.com. This Whole Chicken masterpiece is an ideal choice for a delightful weeknight dinner, requiring just under 4 hours from start to finish, with a prep time of 15 minutes and a slow-cooking time of 2 hours and 6 minutes, promising a total culinary experience clocking in at 2 hours and 21 minutes. Let’s dive into the intricacies of crafting this culinary gem!
🍗 Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 – 2 whole chickens
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 3-4 slices of ginger
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 Chinese cabbage, cut into wedges
- 3 savoy cabbage leaves
- 1 crumbled stock cube
- 2 gherkins
👩🍳 Instructions:
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Blanch the Chicken:
- Begin by blanching the whole chickens in boiling water for a precise 6 minutes, ensuring to skim off any scum that may surface during the process. Once blanched, drain the chickens well, setting the stage for the subsequent flavor infusion.
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Season and Stuff:
- Elevate the chicken’s taste profile by rubbing both the inside and outside with 2 tablespoons of salt. Take the flavor up a notch by stuffing the chicken with a tantalizing mixture of ginger slices, crumbled stock cube, finely chopped onion, and the unique addition of gherkins, creating a symphony of tastes within.
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Prepare the Casserole:
- Place the seasoned and stuffed chicken into a flameproof casserole, generously adding 5 cups of water to the mix. As you embark on this culinary journey, preheat the oven to a perfect 180°C, setting the stage for the slow-simmering magic about to unfold.
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Simmer and Turn:
- Let the flavors meld as you bring the concoction to a boil. Once achieved, transfer the casserole into the preheated oven and let it cook for a blissful 1 hour and 20 minutes. Halfway through, lovingly turn the chicken to ensure an even infusion of flavors, rendering it succulent and irresistible.
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Cabbage Ensemble:
- With the chicken now partially perfected, it’s time to introduce the next layer of complexity. Extract the chicken from the casserole and gracefully arrange the Chinese cabbage wedges in the flavorful liquid, paving the way for a gastronomic spectacle.
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Final Roast:
- Reunite the chicken with its vegetable counterparts and return the casserole to the oven for a further 40 minutes of slow-roasting indulgence. Watch as the flavors intensify, creating a symphony of tastes that will undoubtedly captivate your senses.
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Serve with Elegance:
- As the culinary masterpiece reaches its crescendo, bring it to the table straight from the casserole, or opt for a touch of sophistication by transferring it to a large, warmed tureen. The choice is yours, but the satisfaction is guaranteed.
Indulge in the harmonious blend of textures and flavors as the Slow-Simmered Chicken graces your table. With each bite, savor the tender meat, the aromatic ginger, and the subtle notes of onion, all complemented by the delightful crunch of Chinese cabbage. This recipe, meticulously crafted and shared with love, not only promises a gastronomic adventure but also showcases the artistry that can be achieved in your own kitchen. Unleash your culinary prowess and embark on a journey of flavor that transcends the ordinary, leaving an indelible mark on your palate. Elevate your weeknight dining experience with this extraordinary Slow-Simmered Chicken – a recipe born of passion and perfected for your pleasure.