Stewed Or Steamed Chicken Recipe

Stewed or Steamed Chicken Recipe

History:
Stewed or steamed chicken is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. The method of stewing and steaming chicken has been a popular way to cook poultry since ancient times. It is believed that this method originated in China, where it was commonly used to prepare chicken dishes.

Fun Facts:
- Stewing chicken is a slow cooking process that allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy.
- Steaming chicken is a healthier cooking method as it preserves the nutrients and natural flavors of the chicken.
- The addition of onion and parsley to the cooking pot enhances the flavor of the chicken, giving it a savory taste.
- Thicking the broth with flour mixed with cold water adds a velvety texture to the gravy, making it more appetizing.
- Browning the stewed chicken in a pan with sweet drippings or butter adds a delicious golden crust to the meat.
- Adding yolk of one egg to the gravy gives it a richer and more flavorful taste.

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, nicely cleaned and cut into nine pieces
- Boiling water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 sprig of parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of sweet milk
- 2 tablespoonfuls of flour
- Cold water
- 1 teaspoonful of chopped parsley
- Yolk of one egg (optional)
- Sweet drippings or butter (for browning)

Instructions:
1. In a large cooking pot, place the chicken pieces and pour enough boiling water to partly cover them.
2. Add the chopped onion and the sprig of parsley to the pot.
3. Let the chicken simmer for about 1-1/2 hours or until tender. If using an old fowl, it may take an additional hour.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set them aside on a platter.
6. Strain the broth and remove the excess fat if necessary. Leave a part of the broth in the pot.
7. Separate the white meat from the breast-bone and place all the meat on the platter.
8. To the strained broth, add the sweet milk and thicken it with the flour mixed with a little cold water until smooth.
9. Bring the gravy to a boil and add the chopped parsley.
10. Pour the chicken gravy over the platter containing the meat or serve it in a separate bowl.
11. Alternatively, you can quickly brown the pieces of stewed chicken by sprinkling them with flour and cooking them in a pan with sweet drippings or butter.
12. If the chicken is not very fat, you can add the yolk of one egg to the gravy for a richer taste.
13. Serve the stewed or steamed chicken with the gravy and enjoy!

Similar Recipe Dishes:
- Chicken Pot Pie: This dish also features chicken cooked in a savory gravy and topped with a flaky pastry crust.
- Coq au Vin: A traditional French dish that involves braising chicken in red wine, mushrooms, and onions, resulting in a flavorful and tender meat.
- Chicken Cacciatore: An Italian dish where chicken is braised with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs, creating a rich and hearty stew.
- Chicken Fricassee: A classic French recipe where chicken is cooked in a creamy white sauce with vegetables, giving it a velvety texture and delicate flavor.

Whether you choose to stew or steam your chicken, this recipe will give you a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served with your favorite side dishes. Bon appétit!