Drunken Chicken
As the chicken is marinated for several days, it is important to use a very fresh bird from a reputable supplier. "Drunken" foods are usually served cold as part of an appetizer, or cut into neat pieces and served as a snack with cocktails.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, about 1.4kg / 3lb
- 1cm/ ½in piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 spring onions, trimmed
- 1.75 litres / 3 pints / 7½ cups water or to cover
- 15ml / 1 tbsp salt
- 300ml / ½ pint / 1¼ cups dry sherry
- 15-30ml / 1-2 tbsp brandy (optional)
- spring onions, shredded, and fresh herbs, to garnish
Preparation
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- Rinse and dry the chicken inside and out. Place the ginger and spring onions in the body cavity. Put the chicken in a large saucepan or flameproof casserole and just cover with water. Bring to the boil, skim and cook for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, cover the pan or casserole tightly and leave the chicken in the cooking liquid for 3-4 hours, by which time it will be cooked. Drain well. Pour 300ml / ½ pint / 1¼ cups of the stock into a jug. Freeze the remaining stock for use in the future.
- Remove the skin from the chicken, joint it neatly. Divide each leg into a drumstick and thigh. Make two more portions from the wings and some of the breast. Finally cut away the remainder of the breast pieces (still on the bone) and divide each breast into two even-size portions.
- Arrange the chicken portions in a shallow dish. Rub salt into the chicken and cover with clear film. Leave in a cool place for several hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Later, lift off any fat from the stock. Mix the sherry and brandy, if using, in a jug, add the stock and pour over the chicken. Cover again and leave in the fridge to marinate for 2 or 3 days, turning occasionally.
- When ready to serve, cut the chicken through the bone into chunky pieces and arrange on a serving platter garnished with spring onion shreds and herbs.
VARIATION
To serve as a cocktail snack, take the meat off the bones, cut it into bite-size pieces, then spear each piece on a cocktail stick.
Serves 4-6.