Go Back
Print

ROAST CHICKEN WITH BREAD SALAD

Servings 6

Ingredients

Chicken and bread

  • 1 whole chicken, approx. 1.3 kg 
  • Baguette or some other crusty bread, cut into 1” cubes (around 5 cups)
  • ¼ cup chicken stock
  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus more for brushing
  • Salt and pepper

Salad

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp champagne or wine vinegar 
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 scallions, sliced thin
  • 2 Tbsp raisins, minced finely 
  • 5 cups baby arugula

Instructions

  •  Place chicken, breast side down, on cutting board. Using kitchen shears, cut through bones on either side of backbone; discard backbone. Do not trim off any excess fat or skin. Flip chicken over and press on breastbone to flatten.
  • Sprinkle salt liberally all over the chicken and under the skin. Refrigerate overnight, uncovered.
  • When ready to roast, adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 475 degrees. Toss bread with stock and 2 tablespoons olive oil until pieces are evenly moistened. Arrange bread in an ovenproof skillet in a single layer (I used a cast iron pan).
  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels and place, skin side up, on top of bread. Brush chicken skin with oil, then salt and pepper liberally. Roast chicken for 40-45 minutes, turning the skillet halfway through.
  • While the chicken and bread roast, make the dressing by whisking vinegar and mustard together. Slowly whisk in ¼ cup oil. Stir in scallions and currants. Add salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
  • Transfer chicken to carving board and let rest for 15 minutes. Carve chicken and add any drippings to the vinaigrette. Add bread and vinaigrette to arugula in a large bowl and toss to coat. Transfer salad to a serving platter and top with the carved chicken pieces.