Savory Dutch Oven Hen with Roasted Vegetables

Dutch Oven Country Hen Recipe 🍗

Description:
Indulge in the rich flavors of a fresh hen with this Dutch Oven Country Hen recipe. With very little fat, this dish is packed with savory goodness. After cooking, allow the hen to rest before serving alongside vegetables and buttermilk biscuits for a satisfying meal.

• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 hen
• 2 celery ribs
• 4 carrots
• 4 onions
• 1 lb new potatoes
• 4 ears of corn
• 1 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3 cups chicken stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 1157.5
• Fat: 69g
  • Saturated Fat: 18.6g
• Cholesterol: 462.1mg
• Sodium: 534mg
• Carbohydrates: 44.4g
  • Fiber: 6.9g
  • Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 85.6g

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Rinse the hen under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Seasoning:

   • Season the outside and cavity of the hen generously with salt and pepper.

3. Stuffing:

   • Stuff the cavity of the hen with onion skins, celery leaves, and bay leaves.

4. Placement:

   • Place the seasoned hen into a heavy Dutch Oven, ensuring the legs are facing up.

5. Seasoning (Part 2):

   • Brush the hen with olive oil and sprinkle paprika over it for a flavorful crust.

6. Adding Stock:

   • Pour the chicken stock around the hen in the Dutch Oven, ensuring it covers the bottom.

7. Baking:

   • Cover the Dutch Oven with its lid and place it in the preheated oven.
   • Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and let the hen cook for 2 hours.

8. Vegetables:

   • After 2 hours, carefully remove the Dutch Oven from the oven.
   • Spread the prepared vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes, and corn) around the hen in the Dutch Oven.
   • Lightly season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Final Cooking:

   • Re-fit the lid onto the Dutch Oven and return it to the oven.
   • Continue cooking for an additional 1 hour, allowing the vegetables to roast and the flavors to meld.

10. Resting:

    • Once fully cooked, remove the Dutch Oven from the oven and let the hen rest for about 20 minutes before serving.

11. Serving:

    • Quarter the rested hen and serve it alongside the roasted vegetables and buttermilk biscuits for a delicious and hearty meal.

Enjoy the tender and flavorful Dutch Oven Country Hen with your loved ones for a memorable dining experience! 🍽️