You'll need

• 1 chicken, jointed into 8 pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 20g butter
• 20 shallots, peeled and left whole
• 300g small button mushrooms
• 150g pancetta, cut into lardons
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 100ml cognac
• 400ml red wine
• 450ml chicken stock
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig thyme
• 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 180C / 350F / Gas Mark 4.
   
   
2. Heat half the oil and butter in a large casserole, and brown the chicken pieces well, ensuring the skin becomes crisp and brown. Set aside.
   
   
3. Melt the remaining butter with the oil and add the shallots, mushrooms and pancetta. Cook for 10 minutes until well browned, stirring regularly to ensure even browning. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the flour and cook for a further minute.
   
   
4. In a separate pan bring the red wine to the boil and reduce by half. Pour the cognac into a jug and light carefully with a long match. Pour into the casserole and shake the pan until the flames subside.
   
   
5. Add the reduced red wine and chicken stock, return the chicken pieces to the pan, and add the bay leaf and thyme.
   
   
6. Cover the casserole and cook in the preheated oven for one hour.
   
   
7. Serve garnished with the parsley, with plain boiled potatoes.