Poulet Rôti

Introduction

Poulet rôti, or roasted chicken, is a classic French dish that embodies the essence of simple yet elegant cooking. With roots deep in French culinary traditions, poulet rôti is a staple in both home kitchens and fine-dining restaurants across France. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients, which when combined create a symphony of flavors that celebrate both technique and taste.

Roasting chicken is a method that dates back centuries, with early records showing it was a popular way to cook poultry dating back to medieval times. The French version, poulet rôti, typically involves using a high-quality bird, often marinated or seasoned with herbs and spices, and then roasted to perfection.

Ingredients

• Whole chicken - about 1.5 kg
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Butter - 50 grams
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - freshly ground, to taste
• Fresh thyme - 6 sprigs
• Fresh rosemary - 2 sprigs
• Garlic - 1 head, halved
• Lemon - 1, halved
• Onion - 1, quartered
• Carrot - 2, peeled and chopped into large chunks
• Celery - 2 stalks, chopped into large chunks
• Chicken stock - 250ml
• White wine - 100ml

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cleaning the whole chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Ensure the cavity is clean and free of giblets. Once the chicken is dry, rub it thoroughly with salt and black pepper both inside and out. This seasoning will lay the flavor foundation of the dish.

Step 2: Season the Bird

In a small bowl, combine the butter with a dash of olive oil to prevent the butter from burning. Finely chop 2 sprigs of fresh thyme and a few leaves of fresh rosemary; blend these herbs into the butter mixture.

Cooking Process

Step 1: Trussing and Stuffing

Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen string. This technique helps the chicken maintain its shape during roasting. Inside the cavity, place the halved lemon, the remaining sprigs of thyme and rosemary, and the halved garlic head. This aromatic bouquet will infuse the chicken with flavors.

Step 2: Roasting the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the carrots, celery, and onion in the base of a roasting dish. These vegetables form a trivet for the chicken, allowing heat to circulate and juices to drip down, basting the bird naturally. Pour the chicken stock and white wine into the dish to keep the bird moist and enhance the flavors.

Place the chicken breast-side up on top of the vegetables. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven. After about 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting. Refer to a cooking timer to ensure you roast for approximately 20 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Basting

Throughout the roasting process, periodically baste the chicken using the juices in the pan. This helps in building a golden crust and adds moisture and flavor to the meat.

Step 4: Resting

Once properly roasted, remove the chicken from the oven. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier chicken.

Serving Suggestions

To enjoy your poulet rôti, carve the chicken into pieces and serve with the roasted vegetables from the pan. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Consider a glass of wine to complement the flavors, possibly even using the same white wine you cooked with. Bon appétit!