Balmoral Chicken: A Royal Scottish Dish

Introduction

Balmoral chicken is a classic Scottish dish named after Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the British royal family. It is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the flavors of chicken, spices, and cream.

Ingredients:

* 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
4. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander.
5. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin.
6. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and pour the heavy cream over it.
7. Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
8. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Serving Suggestions:

Balmoral chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as:

* Mashed potatoes
* Roasted vegetables
* Steamed asparagus
* Creamy mushroom sauce

Tips:

* To enhance the smokiness of the dish, use a smoked paprika with a deep, rich flavor.
* If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute milk or buttermilk.
* You can also add other spices to the spice mixture, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
* To make the dish ahead of time, roast the chicken and let it cool completely. Then, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion

Balmoral chicken is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that is sure to impress your guests. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect choice for any occasion.