Potted Chicken Rilletes

Ingredients for Potted Chicken Rilletes

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme plus 4 large thyme sprigs

• 4 bay leaves (preferably fresh)

• 2 finely chopped, 2 left whole

• 450g whole chicken (preferably organic), rinsed, patted dry

• 100g chopped carrot

• 100g chopped celery

• 100g chopped onion

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 240ml dry white wine

• 1450ml (or more) low-salt chicken broth

• 240ml (2 sticks) butter, divided

• 350g finely chopped shallots (7 to 230g )

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

• Shredded braised chicken (from recipe above)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

• Crusty country bread slices or baguette slices

• Purchased pickles

Combine 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons chopped thyme, and 2 chopped bay leaves in small bowl. Rub herb mixture all over chicken; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and chill overnight.

Preheat oven to 177°C. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pot and cook until browned on all sides, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes. Add carrot, celery, onion, and garlic; sauté until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Stir in 4 thyme sprigs and 2 whole bay leaves. Add wine and boil until almost evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add enough broth to come halfway up sides of chicken; bring to boil. Cover pot; place in oven and braise until chicken is tender, turning chicken once, about 1 hour.

Remove pot from oven; transfer chicken to bowl and cool slightly. Strain braising liquid into large saucepan. Boil until liquid is reduced to 600ml , about 20 minutes. Remove skin and bones from chicken; shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces and reserve for chicken rillettes. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill chicken and braising liquid separately.

Melt 60g butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots and sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Add remaining 170g butter to skillet and allow to melt. Stir in tarragon and thyme, then shredded chicken and reserved 600ml braising liquid. Simmer until chicken is very moist and tender and liquid is slightly reduced but some liquid still remains, about 5 minutes. Season mixture to taste with salt and pepper. Cool slightly. Mix in parsley and chives.

Pack chicken rillettes into large glass jar or divide among smaller jars. Chill uncovered until cold, then seal jar and keep chilled. DO AHEAD: Can be made 5 days ahead. Keep chilled. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Serve rillettes with crusty bread and pickles.

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.