Tyler Florence's Roast Chicken with Wilted Butter Lettuce and Peas
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
- Total: 1 hr 45 min
- Prep: 30 min
- Cook: 1 hr 15 min
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 3-to-4-pound chicken, rinsed and patted dry
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 lemon, halved
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
1/2 bunch fresh thyme
4 to 6 bay leaves
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
For the Lettuce and Peas:
1 cup dry white wine
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
6 black peppercorns
Kosher salt
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Freshly ground pepper
1 cup frozen peas
1 large head butter lettuce, leaves separated
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Season the chicken cavity with plenty of salt and pepper; stuff the lemon halves, garlic, thyme and bay leaves inside. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Drizzle the skin with olive oil and rub all over; season with plenty of salt and pepper. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan; roast for 1 hour, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
- Meanwhile, prepare the lettuce and peas: Combine the wine, red onion, bay leaf, peppercorns and a pinch of salt in a saucepan; simmer over medium heat until the mixture is syrupy and just coats the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the butter cubes, a few at a time, to thicken the sauce and give it a shine. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm. (Remove the peppercorns and bay leaf before serving.)
- Place the peas in a small pot of salted boiling water until heated through; drain. Toss the peas, lettuce and beurre blanc (warm butter sauce) in a bowl until the lettuce wilts slightly. Serve with the chicken.