Balmoral Chicken

Balmoral Chicken

Balmoral Chicken is a traditional Scottish dish that combines chicken breast with haggis, often served with a creamy whisky sauce. This dish is named after Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the British royal family, and is a popular choice in Scottish cuisine.

Ingredients

The main ingredients for Balmoral Chicken include:

• Chicken breast
• Haggis
• Bacon or pancetta
• Whisky
• Double cream
• Butter
• Salt and pepper

Preparation

The preparation of Balmoral Chicken involves several steps:

1. Stuffing the Chicken: The chicken breast is sliced open to create a pocket, which is then filled with haggis. The haggis is a savory pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock.
2. Wrapping: Once stuffed, the chicken breast is wrapped in bacon or pancetta to add flavor and keep the chicken moist during cooking.
3. Cooking: The wrapped chicken is then baked in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
4. Sauce Preparation: A whisky sauce is prepared by deglazing the pan with whisky, then adding double cream and butter, and seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serving

Balmoral Chicken is typically served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The whisky sauce is drizzled over the chicken to enhance its flavor.

Cultural Significance

Balmoral Chicken is a dish that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Scotland. It is often served at special occasions and is a staple in many Scottish restaurants. The use of haggis in the dish highlights the importance of this traditional Scottish food, especially during celebrations such as Burns Night.

Variations

While the classic recipe remains popular, there are several variations of Balmoral Chicken:

• Some recipes include a layer of black pudding along with the haggis.
• The whisky sauce can be modified with the addition of mustard or herbs for extra flavor.
• For a lighter version, the chicken can be grilled instead of baked.

See Also

• Haggis
• Scottish cuisine
• Burns Night

References

• "Traditional Scottish Recipes." Scottish Food & Drink. Retrieved from [1]
• "Balmoral Chicken Recipe." BBC Good Food. Retrieved from [2]