Oven-roasted chicken seasoned with pancetta and olives

Oven-roasted chicken seasoned with pancetta and olives

Title: Unleash Your Inner Chef: Roast Chicken with Pancetta and Olives

• Servings: 2
• ** difficulty**: Easy
• Prep Time: 30 min
• Cook Time: 40 min
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 min

Ingredients

• 3 lb chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 6 slices pancetta, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 cup oil-cured olives, pitted
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 small bunch fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tsp kosher or sea salt
• 2/3 cup white wine
• 10 cloves garlic, peeled, and left whole
• 1 tsp hot red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped herbs, salt, hot pepper flakes, and olive oil. Brush the chicken pieces with the mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated, and let marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Arrange the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Scatter the pancetta evenly among the chicken pieces, followed by the whole garlic cloves.
4. Pour the white wine over the chicken and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the pitted olives, stirring the contents of the sheet gently.
6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden-brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Enrichment Data:

Prepare for a memorable meal with this mouthwatering roast chicken recipe that blends pancetta with olives, herbs, garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb. whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 12 slices pancetta, diced
• 1 1/2 cups pitted olives (such as Kalamata or green olives)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 bunch fresh thyme
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 2/3 cup white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation and Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Remove giblets and rinse: Take out the giblets and innards from the chicken. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels, both inside and out.

Step 2: Season the Cavity

1. Combine herbs, garlic, and spices: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped herbs, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning mix.
2. Season cavity: Place the seasoning mix inside the chicken's cavity.

Step 3: Prepare the Skin and Pancetta

1. Loosen skin from breast: Gently use your fingers to loosen the skin from the breast meat without tearing it. This will help the pancetta infuse flavor into the meat.
2. Add pancetta under the skin: Place diced pancetta under the loosened skin, distributed evenly across the breast area.

Step 4: Season the Outside

1. Rub the chicken: Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, ensuring it's well coated. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Use a roasting pan large enough to hold the chicken without crowding.
2. Add vegetables and olives: If desired, add sliced onions, carrots, or celery to the roasting pan for flavor and aroma.
3. Roast chicken: Place the chicken in the roasting pan breast side up, and roast for about 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Baste the chicken with pan juices once or twice during cooking, if desired.
4. Increase browning (optional): If you prefer a crisper skin, increase the oven temperature to 500°F (260°C) for the last 5-10 minutes, covering parts that are already browned to avoid burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Baste it with pan juices one more time.
2. Serve: Carve the chicken and serve with roasted vegetables, olives, and pan juices.
3. The roasted chicken recipe yields 8 pieces, including chicken, each coated with a mixture of chopped herbs, salt, hot pepper flakes, and olive oil for added flavor.
4. Prior to roasting, ensure each piece of chicken is well-coated with the marinade, and pitted olives are added during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking for enhanced nutrition and taste.
5. To enjoy a variation of this recipe, consider adding diced pancetta under the loose skin of the chicken for an extra layer of flavor, and season the cavity with a blend of herbs, garlic, and spices for a mouthwatering outcome.

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