SPLAYED ROAST CHICKEN WITH CARAMELIZED RAMPS

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Splayed Roast Chicken With Caramelized Ramps image

It may not seem possible to improve on roast chicken cooked in a very hot cast-iron skillet, an easy method that yields a moist, evenly cooked bird. (The thighs, which needs more cooking time, are pressed against the pan, which allows them to cook as quickly as the breast meat.) But here's a recipe with a clever tweak on that method, one that's easier than spatchcocking (or butterflying) the chicken, and that makes for a even faster-cooked, juicier bird. Preheat the skillet in a 500-degree oven for about 45 minutes, letting it get blisteringly hot. Meanwhile, take the chicken and snip the skin that connects the legs to the body, splaying the legs open until you feel the joints pop on both sides. Very carefully transfer the chicken to the pan, pressing the legs down into the surface. Ramps, garlic and capers tossed into the pan juices toward the end of the roasting time make for a bright, sweet and salty sauce. A cast-iron skillet is a must here, and if you don't have one, it's a worthwhile, and inexpensive, investment.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 1h35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 4 1/2-pound whole chicken, patted dry
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bunch fresh ramps (6 ounces)
1 lemon, quartered
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
5 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
1 tablespoon capers

Steps:

  • Rub the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. If you have time, do this 2 to 3 hours ahead and refrigerate the bird uncovered. Otherwise, let it rest uncovered at room temperature while oven heats.
  • Place a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet in the oven and heat to 500 degrees for 45 minutes. If you salted the chicken in advance, take it out of the fridge so it can warm to room temperature.
  • Meanwhile, prep the ramps: trim the hairy bottoms and remove the outer layer of skin. Separate the leaves from the bulbs, rinse both gently, and pat dry. Cut any fat bulbs (wider than a pencil) in half lengthwise. Tear the leaves into large pieces.
  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the skin connecting the legs to the body. Splay the thighs open until you feel the joint pop on each side. Place 2 lemon wedges inside the chicken.
  • Carefully transfer chicken, breast-side up, to the hot skillet. Press down on the legs so they rest flat on the bottom of the pan. Drizzle the bird with the oil. Roast for 30 minutes. Toss ramp bulbs (not leaves), garlic and capers into the skillet. Stir to coat them with pan juices. Roast for 5 minutes more, then stir again. Continue cooking until ramps are tender and chicken is no longer pink, 5 to 15 minutes more (for a total cooking time of 40 to 50 minutes).
  • Remove chicken from oven and stir ramp leaves into the pan until just wilted. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve with the pan juices and ramps, garlic and capers, seasoning everything with juice from the remaining lemon wedges, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 800, UnsaturatedFat 36 grams, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 56 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 66 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 1242 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

Musa Waqas
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This is a great recipe for a special occasion. The chicken is elegant and delicious, and the caramelized ramps add a touch of luxury.


Paras Bist
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I wasn't sure how the caramelized ramps would taste, but they were surprisingly delicious. They added a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.


Musaffa Naeem Naeem (Mishee)
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth the effort. The chicken is incredibly flavorful, and the caramelized ramps are a delicious addition.


Aong sajai marma
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I've never made a spatchcocked chicken before, but this recipe made it easy. The chicken turned out perfectly, and the caramelized ramps were a nice touch.


De-André Lee
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This recipe is a bit pricey, but it's worth it for a special occasion. The chicken is incredibly flavorful, and the caramelized ramps are a delicious addition.


Onyemaobi Promise
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I'm not a huge fan of ramps, but I really enjoyed them in this recipe. They added a nice sweetness and complexity to the dish.


Kisty V
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This is a great recipe for a special occasion. The chicken is elegant and delicious, and the caramelized ramps add a touch of luxury.


Shaniii Write
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I made this recipe for my family, and they loved it. The chicken was tender and juicy, and the caramelized ramps were a hit.


Nakabuye Serah
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This recipe was a bit challenging for me, but I'm glad I tried it. The chicken turned out great, and the caramelized ramps were a nice touch.


Christian Wiley
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I wasn't sure how the caramelized ramps would taste, but they were surprisingly delicious. They added a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.


Prashant Giri
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This recipe is a bit time-consuming, but it's worth the effort. The chicken is incredibly flavorful, and the caramelized ramps are a delicious addition.


Margaret Valentine
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I've tried other recipes for spatchcocked chicken, but this one is by far the best. The chicken is perfectly cooked, and the caramelized ramps are amazing.


Cherestion Kangethe
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This is my go-to recipe for roast chicken. It's always a crowd-pleaser.


Wendy Ann
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I love this recipe! It's so easy to make, and the results are always delicious.


Leland Rider
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This recipe is a keeper! The chicken was so moist and flavorful, and the caramelized ramps were the perfect accompaniment.


Wahid x2
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I made this for a dinner party last night, and it was a huge success. Everyone raved about the chicken and the ramps. I'll definitely be making this again.


Bismil Hameed
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This was my first time making a spatchcocked chicken, and it turned out beautifully. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the caramelized ramps were a delicious addition.


Fida
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I've made this recipe several times now, and it's always a winner. The spatchcocking method ensures that the chicken cooks evenly, and the caramelized ramps add a wonderful flavor.


Alessandra sigala
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This recipe was a hit with my family! The chicken was tender and juicy, and the caramelized ramps were a delicious and unique touch.