Coucou de Malines

Name: Coucou de Malines
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Belgian
Ingredients: 1 whole Coucou de Malines chicken (or free-range chicken, 1.8kg); 80g unsalted butter, softened; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 4 sprigs fresh tarragon; 1 lemon, halved; 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and freshly ground pepper; 200ml chicken stock; 100ml dry white wine

Coucou de Malines (koo-KOO duh mah-LEEN)

Mechelen Cuckoo Chicken

⏱ Prep Time 2 hours

📈 Difficulty Medium

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 472 kcal

A heritage Mechelen cuckoo chicken roasted to golden perfection, basted with butter and herbs — celebrating Belgium's finest poultry breed with its distinctive barred plumage.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 42.0g

Carbs 4.0g

Fat 32.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy

Equipment Needed

roasting pan kitchen string meat thermometer basting brush

Presentation Guide

Vessel: carving board

Garnishes: fresh herbs, lemon

Accompaniments: Belgian frites, roasted vegetables, watercress salad

Ingredients

1 whole Coucou de Malines chicken (or free-range chicken, 1.8kg)
80g unsalted butter, softened
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh tarragon
1 lemon, halved
4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
200ml chicken stock
100ml dry white wine

Instructions

1
Pat chicken dry. Rub all over with softened butter, salt, and pepper. Stuff cavity with lemon halves, thyme, tarragon, and garlic.
2
Truss the chicken with kitchen string. Place breast-side up in a roasting pan.
3
Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 1 hour 15 min, basting every 20 min with pan juices.
4
When golden and the juices run clear (internal temp 74°C), rest the chicken 15 min loosely tented with foil.
5
Make jus: place roasting pan on the stove, add stock and wine, scrape up browned bits. Simmer 5 min and strain.
6
Carve and serve with the jus, roasted vegetables, and Belgian frites.

💡

Did You Know?

The Coucou de Malines breed nearly went extinct in the 20th century and was saved by dedicated Flemish breeders in the 1980s.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

roasting pan
kitchen string
meat thermometer
basting brush

Garnishing

fresh herbs, lemon

Accompaniments

Belgian frites, roasted vegetables, watercress salad

The Story Behind Coucou de Malines

The Coucou de Malines is a heritage chicken breed from Mechelen, prized since the 19th century for its tender, flavourful meat. Nearly extinct by the 1970s, dedicated breeders revived the breed. Today it holds a protected status and is considered the finest table chicken in Belgium.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed sunday lunch 📜 Origins: 19th century Mechelen

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