Chicken braised in cider and chorizo

This chicken dinner party dish is great to make in advance of people coming over.

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 whole chicken legs (drumstick and thigh separated)
• 225g/8oz chorizo, diced
• 6 shallots, peeled, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 600ml/1 pint dry cider
• 150ml/¼ pint chicken stock
• 1 heaped tbsp Dijon mustard
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp double cream

For the celeriac mash

• 1 celeriac, peeled, chopped
• squeeze fresh lemon juice
• 25g/1oz butter
• 1-2 tbsp single cream
• salt and freshly ground white pepper
• steamed green beans, to serve

Preparation method

1. For the chicken, preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan and add all the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook for 10-12 minutes turning frequently until evenly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the chorizo and shallots to the pan and fry, stirring frequently for five minutes, or until softened and the fat is beginning to run from the chorizo. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to coat.
3. Gradually pour in the cider and stock, stirring continuously until boiling and thickened slightly. Stir in the mustard, season well with salt and pepper and return the chicken to the frying pan.
4. Cover the frying pan with aluminium foil and cook in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken’s juices run clear when pierced with a skewer.
5. For the celeriac mash, place the celeriac in a saucepan and cover with water and a squeeze of lemon juice. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until tender.
6. Drain the celeriac well and tip it back into the pan. Mash over a low heat with the butter and single cream. Season with salt and white pepper.
7. To serve, stir the double cream into the chicken liquor and serve the chicken and sauce with the celeriac mash and steamed green beans.