Festive Chicken

Festive Chicken Recipe: A Delicious & Nutritious Meal for Special Occasions

Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Festive Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings. This recipe combines the sweetness of honey and pineapple with the savory flavors of cloves and paprika to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The origins of Festive Chicken are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region. This dish has been enjoyed for generations as a festive and celebratory meal that brings people together to enjoy good food and good company.

Ingredients

3 tbsp honey
0.25 cup orange juice concentrate or mixture of orange and pineapple concentrates
0.5 tsp crushed cloves
0.5 tsp paprika
1 whole broiler (approximately 4 lb or 1.81 kg), skinned and cut into serving pieces
0.67 cup matzo meal mix
2.5 tbsp Italian olive oil
2 medium onions, coarsely chopped
5 large cloves garlic, minced
2 ribs celery, coarsely chopped
2 granny smith apples, peeled, pared, and coarsely chopped
3 tbsp parsley, minced
0.25 tsp salt
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tsp dijon mustard
fresh sliced pineapple

How to prepare

Put 2 tbsp of honey in an 8 oz (227 g) measure.
While stirring, add concentrate, cloves, and paprika.
Fill with water up to the 8 oz (227 g) mark and stir.
Pour into a wide bowl.
Rinse and dry the chicken.
Prick the chicken all over with a sharp-pronged fork.
Add the chicken to the bowl, turning several times to coat.
Let the chicken stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, draining the chicken and reserving the marinade.
Arrange the chicken pieces on a large flat plate.
Sprinkle 0.25 cup of matzo meal mix over the chicken, pressing to adhere. Turn the chicken to repeat on the other side until all pieces are evenly coated.
Chill the chicken in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large well-seasoned iron skillet.
In a bowl, combine onions, garlic, celery, and apples.
Strew 0.25 cup of the onion-garlic-celery-apple mixture across the hot oiled skillet.
Cook for 30 seconds over medium-high heat.
Add half of the chicken and lightly brown on both sides (about 5 minutes), scooping up and turning with a sharp-edged spatula.
Transfer the chicken and browned particles to a plate.
Add another tablespoon of oil.
Repeat the process until all the chicken is browned.
Saute the remaining onion-garlic-celery-apple mixture until lightly browned, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen particles.
Add the reserved marinade around the edges of the skillet.
Add 2 tbsp of parsley and bring to a boil, stirring to combine.
Return the chicken to the pan, spooning it with the thick sauce.
Cover and simmer on top of the stove for 3 minutes, basting occasionally.
Place the skillet in the center of the oven and bake for 50 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken once midway through.
Remove from the oven.
Sprinkle salt evenly over everything.
In a cup, blend the remaining tablespoon of honey with lemon juice and mustard.
Pour the honey-lemon-mustard mixture over the chicken.
Re-cover and let the chicken stand for 5 minutes to drain the excess sauce.
Arrange the chicken pieces on a large warmed serving plate.
Stir the sauce and reheat it briefly.
Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and cut each pineapple slice into thirds.
Arrange the pineapple slices around the sides of the plate in a neat pattern.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with the remaining parsley, and serve the extra sauce on the side.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Substitute the pineapple concentrate with orange juice for a citrusy twist.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the stuffing mixture for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- Browning the chicken before baking helps to seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.

- Be sure to baste the chicken with the sauce while baking to keep it moist and flavorful.

- Serve the chicken with fresh pineapple slices for a refreshing and tropical twist.

Serving Suggestions

Festive Chicken pairs well with a side of rice or roasted vegetables. Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

- Brown the chicken in a hot skillet before baking to create a crispy exterior.

- Baste the chicken with the sauce while baking to keep it moist and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks for the whole broiler chicken.

- Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.

- Replace the matzo meal mix with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

- The chicken can be browned and partially cooked ahead of time. Finish baking in the oven when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the chicken pieces on a large platter and garnish with fresh parsley and pineapple slices. - Serve the chicken with a side of rice pilaf or couscous for a complete meal. - Drizzle any extra sauce over the chicken before serving for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Festive Chicken with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

- Serve with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or grilled asparagus for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

- Alternatively, reheat in the microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320 per serving

Carbohydrates

23g per serving

Fats

- Total Fat: 12g per serving

- Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 28g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 15% of the daily recommended intake per serving

- Iron: 10% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains: None known allergens

Summary

Festive Chicken is a well-balanced dish that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in calories and does not contain any known allergens, making it a great option for a healthy and delicious meal.

Summary

Festive Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a new family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Festive Chicken. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the mountains. I had always been fascinated by cooking, watching my mother and grandmother prepare delicious meals for our family.

One day, a traveling merchant came to our village, bringing with him exotic spices and unique ingredients from far-off lands. As he set up his stall in the town square, I couldn't help but be drawn to the vibrant colors and enticing aromas emanating from his wares.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I approached the merchant to inquire about the various spices he had on display. He smiled warmly and began to tell me stories of the different cultures and cuisines he had encountered on his travels.

As I listened intently, he reached into a small wooden box and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper. On it was a handwritten recipe for Festive Chicken, a dish he claimed was a favorite among the people of a distant land he had visited.

Eager to learn more, I begged the merchant to teach me how to make this tantalizing dish. With a twinkle in his eye, he agreed and invited me to his makeshift kitchen set up behind his stall.

Together, we gathered the necessary ingredients: succulent chicken breasts, fragrant herbs, exotic spices, and a medley of colorful vegetables. The merchant guided me through each step of the recipe, explaining the importance of balancing flavors and textures to create a harmonious dish.

As the chicken sizzled in the pan, the aroma of spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. The merchant carefully plated the Festive Chicken, garnishing it with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of toasted almonds.

With a proud smile, he handed me a fork and urged me to take the first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a symphony of savory, spicy, and sweet notes dancing on my taste buds. I was hooked.

From that day on, Festive Chicken became a staple in our household, a dish I would prepare for special occasions and family gatherings. Over the years, I would tweak the recipe, adding my own flair and incorporating local ingredients to make it truly my own.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, Festive Chicken became a favorite among my children and grandchildren. They would gather around the table, eagerly awaiting the moment when I would unveil the steaming platter of golden-brown chicken, the tantalizing aroma filling the room.

I taught my daughters how to make Festive Chicken, passing down the recipe from generation to generation. Each of them put their own spin on the dish, adding their unique touches to create a version that was uniquely theirs.

As I look back on those days in the village, I am grateful for the chance encounter with the traveling merchant that led me to discover the recipe for Festive Chicken. It is a dish that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of cooking and the bond that food can create among loved ones.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, surrounded by the laughter of my grandchildren and the comforting smells of spices and herbs, I am reminded of the power of a simple recipe to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I am eternally grateful.