Chicken with Garlic and Chestnut Stuffing

1.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4.

2.

First prepare the stuffing. Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat and add a glug of oil. Sauté the onion for 4 minutes, then add the garlic and continue to cook for another 1–2 minutes until softened. Add the celery, then stir in the pine nuts and chestnuts, taste and season well. Add the cooked rice and parsley, stir again, then taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

3.

Place the deboned chicken skin side down on a work surface. Season inside. Place the stuffing in the centre of the chicken and fold the sides around it. Tie the chicken at regular intervals with string, then turn the parcel over so that the breast faces upwards.

4.

Drizzle olive oil over the outside of the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Place in a roasting tray and roast for 1 hour, basting now and again, then turn the oven up to 200°C/Gas 6 and roast for a further 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the skin golden and crisp. Remove and rest for 15 minutes before serving.

5.

Meanwhile, make the parsley dressing. Finely chop the parsley and garlic. Mix with the mustard and vinegar, then add the olive oil bit by bit, whisking continuously to thicken.

6.

Serve the stuffed chicken in slices with the dressing spooned on top.