Lemon Herb Spatchcock Chicken with Garlic Croutons

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), backbone removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups cubed day-old bread
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. 2 In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. 3 Pat the chicken dry and spread the herb mixture over the chicken.
4. 4 Place chicken on a roasting pan, breast side down.
5. 5 Roast for 45 minutes, then flip and roast for another 15 minutes until golden and the juices run clear.
6. 6 While chicken roasts, toss bread cubes with melted butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
7. 7 Spread croutons on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for the last 10 minutes of chicken cooking time.
8. 8 Garnish croutons with fresh parsley.
9. 9 Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before serving with croutons on the side.

Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Baking sheet
• Chef's knife
• Mixing bowls

Variations

• For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the herb mixture.
• Substitute rosemary with oregano for an Italian twist.

Substitutions

• If fresh herbs are unavailable, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary.
• Use olive oil instead of melted butter for a dairy-free option.

Pairings

• A crisp Caesar salad
• Roasted asparagus with lemon

Nutrition

Tips

• Spatchcocking the chicken ensures even cooking and crispy skin.
• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the herb mixture for up to 4 hours before roasting.

Storage

Store chicken and croutons separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Freezing: Chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven. Croutons do not freeze well.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh arugula salad and roasted vegetables.
• Pair with a chilled white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc.

FAQ