Chicken with Apple Sauce

This delightful chicken dish offers tender, flavorful meat paired with a tangy apple sauce, making it a perfect main course for any occasion. The recipe involves a harmonious balance of herbs and spices, with the subtle sweetness of apples enhanced by a splash of white wine. With its rich and creamy sauce, this dish is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Not only is it visually appealing, but it's also packed with aromatic ingredients that will fill your kitchen with an enticing aroma. The combination of succulent chicken and apple sauce creates a sophisticated yet comforting meal. This recipe is ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Serve it alongside rice or your favorite side dishes to complete the experience. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe provides detailed instructions to guide you to culinary success. Experiment with different herbs or sides to suit your preferences and enjoy the versatility of this dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• Onion
• Parsley root
• Salt
• Pepper
• Bay leaves
• Butter
• Lemon
• Parsley greens

For the Sauce:

• Apples
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Dry white wine
• Butter
• Wheat flour
• Butter
• Salt

Preparation Time

80 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by placing the whole or halved chicken in a pot of boiling water. Allow it to come back to a boil, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
2. Season: Add chopped onion, parsley root, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to the pot. Let the chicken simmer on low heat until the meat becomes tender.
3. Make the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter and stir in the wheat flour, cooking it until golden brown. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps, and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Add Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the sauce, reduce the heat, and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes.
5. Prepare the Apples: Peel and cut apples into eighths, then add them to a pan with melted butter.
6. Cook the Apples: Pour in the white wine and let the apples simmer until they are soft but still intact.
7. Combine: Fold the cooked apples into the finished sauce, mixing well to ensure even coating.
8. Divide the Chicken: After the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the broth. Using a sharp knife, cut along the breastbone to divide it into two halves.
9. Section the Halves: Further cut each chicken half crosswise into two or four pieces as desired.
10. Arrange for Serving: Place the chicken pieces on a serving platter, drizzle them with some melted butter, and garnish with parsley greens and lemon slices for a decorative touch.
11. Serve: Serve the chicken with the apple sauce on the side and pair it with rice for a complete meal.

Tips

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to better control the dish's saltiness.
• Wine Substitute: If you prefer an alcohol-free dish, substitute white wine with apple juice.
• Cooking Consistency: Ensure the sauce is thick by sifting the flour before adding it to the melted butter.
• Apple Variety: Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced taste.

Nutrition

The nutritional content will vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands used, but an approximate breakdown per serving as prepared includes:

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Fats: 22 g
• Carbs: 32 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for firm tofu or portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour as a thickening agent in the sauce.
• Low-Fat: Substitute heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, like evaporated milk.

Serving Suggestions

• Rice: Basmati or jasmine rice complement the flavors excellently.
• Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a simple green salad.
• Bread: Add a serving of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

Best Places

1. Ritz Carlton Dining Room - Known for its exquisite dining experience offering fine poultry dishes. Location: 600 Stockton St, San Francisco, USA.
2. Chez Panisse - Offers farm-to-table French-inspired cuisine. Location: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, USA.
3. Noma - Renowned for reinventing Nordic cuisine. Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 Copenhagen, Denmark.
4. El Celler de Can Roca - A culinary dream where innovation meets tradition. Location: Can Sunyer 48, 17007 Girona, Spain.
5. Le Bernardin - Esteemed for its high-end French seafood creations. Location: 155 W 51st St, New York City, USA.
6. Gaggan - Fusion menu with a playful twist on traditional Indian cuisine. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
7. Osteria Francescana - Italian magic with a whimsical touch. Location: Via Stella 22, 41121 Modena, Italy.
8. Asador Etxebarri - Famous for innovative basque wood-fire cooking. Location: Plaza de San Juan 1, 48291 Atxondo, Spain.
9. The French Laundry - Offers a three-Michelin-starred experience. Location: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, USA.
10. Attica - Where Australian ingredients meet boundary-pushing creativity. Location: 74 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea, Melbourne, Australia.