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

ishtiaq hussain
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This recipe is a must-try for any chicken lover! The splayed chicken cooks evenly and the caramelized ramps add a delicious sweetness. I served this dish with roasted potatoes and a side of green beans, and it was a hit with my family. I'll definitel


Babli Khatun
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This recipe was a total fail. The chicken was dry and overcooked, and the caramelized ramps were burnt. I followed the recipe exactly, so I'm not sure what went wrong. I won't be making this again.


Qamar Usman
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I'm not a huge fan of chicken, but this recipe changed my mind. The spatchcocking method made the chicken so juicy and flavorful, and the caramelized ramps were the perfect accompaniment. I'll definitely be making this again.


Grzegorz Witek
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This was my first time making splayed chicken and it turned out great! The recipe was easy to follow and the chicken was cooked perfectly. The caramelized ramps were a nice touch and added a lot of flavor. I'll definitely be making this again.


Really fat Vacation
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I love this recipe! The chicken is always cooked perfectly and the caramelized ramps are so delicious. I've even started making this recipe for my weeknight dinners. It's that easy and that good!


osman goin
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Bleh.


Narayan Kandel
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This splayed chicken recipe is a keeper! It's easy to make and the results are always delicious. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, and the caramelized ramps are the perfect accompaniment. I've made this recipe for my family and friends several time


Danila Popov
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I thought this recipe was just okay. The chicken was a bit dry and the caramelized ramps were too sweet. I won't be making this again.


Sumit Giri
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I've made this recipe several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser. The chicken is always cooked perfectly and the caramelized ramps are always a hit. I highly recommend this recipe!


Desroy Black
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Not worth the effort.


dk Da
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This dish was a hit at my last dinner party! The chicken was so flavorful and juicy, and the caramelized ramps were a unique and delicious touch. I'm definitely adding this recipe to my regular rotation.


Mostafa Goda
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Meh.


Sophia Inyama
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This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious! The chicken was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the caramelized ramps were a perfect addition. I'll definitely be making this again.


Samuel Amuwa
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I followed the recipe exactly and the chicken turned out dry and overcooked. I think I'll try a different splayed chicken recipe next time.


Patrick Lean
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Wow, this dish was amazing! The chicken was perfectly cooked and the caramelized ramps were the perfect accompaniment. I'll definitely be making this again for my next dinner party.


Svante power
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Not bad! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, but I found the caramelized ramps to be a bit too sweet for my taste. Next time, I'll try using a different vegetable, like roasted potatoes or carrots.


Ramesh Giri
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This splayed chicken recipe was a game-changer for me! The caramelized ramps added a unique and delicious flavor to the chicken, and the spatchcocking method ensured that it cooked evenly and quickly. I'll definitely be making this again soon!