Chicken Roasted in Bay Leaves Placing bay leaves in the chicken cavity infuses the bird with a subtle herbed aroma as it roasts. INGREDIENTS 1 (3 3/4-pound) whole chicken ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. freshly ground WATKINS pepper 16 WATKINS bay leaves 4 celery stalks, halved lengthwise and crosswise 2 carrots, peeled and halved 1 medium onion, quartered GRAVY: ¼ cup brandy 1-1/2 cups fat free less sodium chicken broth 2 tbsp. whipping cream 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour 3 tbsp. water ¼ tsp. salt Preparation Preheat oven to 375°. To prepare chicken, remove and discard giblets and neck from chicken; trim excess fat. Starting at neck cavity, loosen skin from breasts and drumsticks by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat. Rub 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper under loosened skin and over breasts and drumsticks. Place 8 bay leaves under loosened skin; place remaining 8 bay leaves in cavity. Tie ends of the legs together with twine. Lift wing tips up and over back; tuck under chicken. Place celery, carrot, and onion in a single layer in a roasting pan. Place chicken, breast side up, on top of vegetables. Bake at 375° for 40 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 450°, and bake an additional 20 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the meaty part of thigh registers 170°. Using tongs or insulated rubber gloves, remove chicken from pan, tilting slightly to drain juices. Let stand for 15 minutes. Remove vegetables from pan with a slotted spoon; reserve. To prepare gravy, place a zip-top plastic bag in a 2-cup glass measure. Pour brandy into bag; add drippings from pan. Let stand 2 minutes (fat will rise to the top). Seal bag; carefully snip off bottom corner of bag. Drain drippings into measuring cup, stopping before fat layer reaches opening; discard fat. Return vegetables to pan. Add brandy mixture, broth, and cream to pan; cook 10 minutes over medium heat, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Remove vegetables from pan using a slotted spoon; discard. Combine flour and water in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until well blended to form a slurry; add slurry and 1/4 teaspoon salt to pan, stirring constantly. Simmer for 1 minute or until slightly thick. Remove skin from chicken, and discard. Discard bay leaves. Carve chicken, and serve with gravy.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 22:18:52 +0000
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