Poulet Vallée d’Auge

• 5 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
• 3 firm, tart apples (such as Pink Lady or Braeburn; about 1 lb.), peeled, cored, quartered
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 3½–4-lb. chickens, quartered
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 leek, white and pale-green parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced crosswise ¼” thick
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• ¼ cup Calvados (apple brandy)
• ¾ cup apple cider
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ pound crimini (baby bella) mushrooms, trimmed, halved
• ½ cup crème fraîche
• 1 large egg yolk

METHOD:

1. Heat 2 Tbsp. butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add apples and cook, turning occasionally, until golden in spots, 10–12 minutes. Transfer apples to a plate and set aside.
2. Increase heat to medium-high and add oil and 1 Tbsp. butter to the pot. Season chicken with salt and pepper and, working in batches, cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to another plate; set aside.
3. Add leek and shallots to pot; cook, stirring often until softened, about 4 minutes. Remove pot from heat, add Calvados, and ignite with a long match or lighter. After flames die down, return the pot to heat and add cider. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until slightly reduced about 3 minutes.
4. Return reserved chicken to the pot and add thyme, bay leaves, and broth. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover pot, and simmer, adding reserved apples back to pot halfway through, until chicken is cooked through, 20–25 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and softened, 6–8 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Transfer mushrooms to a plate.
6. Whisk crème fraîche and egg yolk in a small bowl. Using a slotted spoon, transfer chicken and apples to a baking sheet and remove the pot from heat. Whisk crème fraîche mixture into cooking liquid in the pot. Gently mix in chicken, apples, and mushrooms.

DO AHEAD: Chicken and apples can be cooked 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Cook mushrooms and finish sauce just before serving.

Bon Appetit, September 2019