Braised Chicken with White Asparagus and Morel Sauté with Crème Fraîche

Ingredients for Braised Chicken with White Asparagus and Morel Sauté with Crème Fraîche

• 6 large chicken leg-thigh pieces (about 2.5kg total)

• 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon peel

• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley plus 6 sprigs

• 60ml (1/2 stick) butter, divided

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• 240ml sliced onion

• 160g sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only)

• 1/2 cup dried morels (about 20g )

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cup dry white wine

• 60ml dry Sherry

• 950ml low-salt chicken broth

• White Asparagus, Morels, and Leeks

• 120ml crème fraîche or soured cream

How to make Braised Chicken with White Asparagus and Morel Sauté with Crème Fraîche

Toss chicken pieces with peel, thyme, and chopped parsley in large bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Let chicken pieces stand at room temperature 15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; let stand 15 minutes more.

Preheat oven to 163°C. Melt 2 tablespoons butter with oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in 2 batches, add chicken pieces, skin side down; cook until deep brown, about 5 minutes. Turn chicken over; reduce heat to medium and cook 2 minutes. Arrange in single layer in large ovenproof pot. Pour off all but 4 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add onion, leeks, morels, and bay leaves to skillet; sauté over medium heat until vegetables are golden, about 7 minutes. Add wine and Sherry; increase heat to high and boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Add broth; bring to boil. Add 6 parsley sprigs. Pour vegetables over chicken. Cover pot with plastic wrap, then foil. Bake until chicken is very tender, about 1 1/2 hours.

Increase oven temperature to 204°C. Transfer chicken pieces to rimmed baking sheet; roast in oven until brown, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, strain vegetable-broth mixture into medium saucepan. Press on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Boil liquid until reduced to 725ml , about 15 minutes. Whisk in remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Season with salt and pepper.

Arrange chicken on large platter. Spoon reduced juices over. Arrange white asparagus, morels, and leeks over and around chicken. Top each chicken leg with dollop of crème fraîche and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.