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Provençal Poussins with Shallots and Dates

Provençal Poussins with Shallots and Dates is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, sweet shallots, and succulent dates for an unforgettable dining experience. The crispy skin of the poussins pairs beautifully with caramelized shallots and the natural sweetness of dates, making it perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners. This easy-to-follow recipe allows novice cooks to achieve restaurant-quality results at home, impressing friends and family alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 poussins (about 1.5 lbs each)
  • 4 shallots, quartered
  • 6 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Pat the poussins dry and season generously with salt and pepper inside and out.
  3. Stuff each poussin with thyme sprigs and half of the chopped dates. Place in the baking dish surrounded by shallots and remaining dates.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for about 45-50 minutes, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. While roasting, simmer chicken broth and balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until reduced by half (about 10 minutes).
  6. Let the poussins rest briefly before drizzling with sauce and serving alongside crusty bread or salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sear the poussins in a hot skillet before roasting for extra crispy skin. Experiment with different dried fruits like apricots or figs for a unique twist. Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container; they can last up to three days.