Such rich, earthy flavors with tender moist chicken and a creamy, smooth sauce.
This can be prepared the day before then popped back in the oven to heat through before your guests arrive.
Serves 4
1/2 oz pack of dried porcini mushrooms
3 1/2 lbs whole organic chicken legs or thighs (I used boneless, skinless chicken thighs which worked well)
1 lemon, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion , finely chopped
10 oz butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
4 oz chestnut mushrooms, roughly chopped
10 fl oz carton heavy cream
Soak the porcini mushrooms in 1/2 pint of hot water for 30 mins.
Skin the chicken (if it isn’t already) and rub the cut side of the lemon over them.
Heat the oil in a heavy pan, large enough to hold all the chicken in one layer
Add the chicken and brown on both sides. Transfer to a heavy casserole dish with a lid.
Heat the oven to 350 F
Melt the butter in a medium pan. When it stops foaming, add the onion and 1 tsp salt, then saute until pale gold.
Meanwhile, remove the porcini from the water (saving the water) and rinse well. Pat dry and chop small. Strain the water through a sieve, stopping before the last spoonful.
Add the porcini and butternut squash pieces to the onion and saute for 5 minutes.
Add the fresh mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes more, stirring frequently.
Stir in the cream, 4 – 5 tbsp of the porcini water and seasoning if you wish.
Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until slightly reduced, then pour over the chicken.
Cover and cook in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, turning the chicken once or twice and adding a few spoonfuls of water or chicken broth if the sauce becomes a little dry.