Roast some seasonal late harvest veggies to fill the platter with the glazed bird…Brussels sprouts and sliced acorn squash are particularly nice. Otherwise make root vegetable “chips” by thinly slicing sweet potatoes, parsnips, and Yukon gold potatoes, tossing with a generous glug of olive oil, and roasting until crisp.
Brining a whole chicken, or chicken parts, is a method that only improves the texture and flavor of the meat—and keeps it very moist during roasting.
This recipe elegantly feeds a nice-sized dinner party, but is easy to cut in half for a smaller supper. The sweetness of the dried plums (formerly known as prunes), contrasts with the brininess of the olives and capers—delicious with the richness of bone-in chicken.
If you need to feed more than your family, why not roast two birds at the same time? It’s no more work and is easy to serve. Any leftovers are ready and waiting to make sandwiches, a small pot of soup, or a pan of chicken enchiladas.
With both brining and cooking on the wood, you’re guaranteed tender, juicy chicken every time.
Squeeze a few chunks of fresh lime or lemon over the finished bird and fruit. Complete the meal with a pan of quick-cooking orzo pasta tossed with some crumbled feta cheese and a bowl full of fresh arugula dressed in a vinaigrette.
Add other root vegetables to this simple chicken dish: chunks of carrot or parsnip, or a little rutabaga and celery. If time is at a premium, a large slow cooker is ideal for slowly braising a whole bird while you’re away for several hours.
The heart of a truly good ramen bowl is all about the broth. Simmer a cut-up chicken for at least 2 hours (or longer if you have time) on the stovetop—or give a slow-cooker or pressure cooker a spin to either allow you to leave the house or speed up the process.
A simple whole chicken recipe the entire family will love.
Chickenomics 101: Roast 2 Chickens Eat 3 Times