Herb-Rubbed Cast-Iron Chicken with Pan Sauce

Ingredients for Herb-Rubbed Cast-Iron Chicken with Pan Sauce

• 1 cup parsley leaves with tender stems

• 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves

• 1 tablespoon oregano leaves

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 (3 1/2–4-lb.) chicken, split in half through breastbone, backbone and wing tips removed

• Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Finely chop parsley, rosemary, oregano, and garlic in a food processor. With the motor running, stream in olive oil and process until a coarse paste forms. Season chicken with salt and pepper and rub flesh side with herb purée. Place, skin side up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Chill, uncovered, at least 3 hours and up to 1 day.

Let sit at room temperature 1 hour before roasting. Place a rack in lower third of oven and set a large cast-iron skillet on rack; preheat oven to 232°C. Wrap the bottom of a medium cast-iron skillet in foil; set aside. As soon as oven is heated, carefully transfer skillet to stove and set over medium heat. Add vegetable oil. Once it begins to smoke, arrange both chicken halves skin side down with breasts touching in centre and legs facing out. Place foil-wrapped skillet on top to weigh down. Cook, moving top skillet around to press on chicken in different spots, and shifting bottom skillet around burner every few minutes, until skin is deeply golden brown, 8–10 minutes.

Position top skillet on chicken legs, transfer to oven, and roast 7 minutes. Slide top skillet over so that weight is on breasts and continue to roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of legs registers 74°C, 7–9 minutes longer. Remove top skillet and spoon off all but 1 tablespoon fat from skillet with chicken; discard. Add lemon juice and 180ml water. Let sit off heat 2 minutes. Transfer chicken to a platter; let rest while you make the sauce.

Bring liquid to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring and scraping up browned bits; cook until an emulsified glossy sauce forms, 5–7 minutes. Season with salt. Pour sauce around chicken.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.