Spring Chicken in a Pot Recipe

Democracy Dies in Darknessclock50 minscourseMainStart CookingComment on this storyAdd to your saved recipes

Roasted in a large pot or Dutch oven, this chicken emerges juicy and scented with the sprightly flavor of tarragon. If you don’t like tarragon, use another herb or a seasoning blend, such as herbes de Provence. Shallots and bread, tossed in the same pot, turn into a rough dressing as the chicken cooks. Serve the chicken, bread and shallots with a simple salad, thick dollop of Dijon mustard, squeeze of lemon, splash of dry white wine or just lots of freshly cracked black pepper.

This recipe is featured in the Eat Voraciously newsletter. Sign up here.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.

From staff writer G. Daniela Galarza.

Story continues below advertisement

Advertisement

Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 4-6

Directions

Time Icon Active: 15 mins| Total: 50 mins
  • Step 1

    Pat the chicken dry and season it, inside and out, with the salt.

  • Step 2

    Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees.

  • Step 3

    In a large Dutch oven over high heat, melt the ghee or heat the olive oil until it shimmers. Carefully add the chicken, breast side down, and allow it to brown, about 4 minutes. (Cover the pot with a splatter guard, if necessary.) Remove from heat. Using tongs, flip the chicken over onto its back. Add the shallots to the sides of the pot, and toss the tarragon and cubes of bread over them, leaving the chicken mostly exposed. Cover tightly and transfer to the oven.

  • Step 4

    Roast for 35 minutes. Uncover the pot and check the chicken’s temperature; a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh should read 160 to 165 degrees. If the chicken is not done, continue cooking, uncovered, for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Allow the chicken, shallots and bread to rest in the pot for 10 minutes before serving it all family style.

  • Step 5

    NOTE: For a prettier presentation, tie the legs together before cooking. If you use a larger bird (4 pounds or more), it will take longer to roast.

  • Story continues below advertisement

    Advertisement

    Nutritional Facts

    Per serving, based on 4

    • Calories

      428

    • Fat

      16 g

    • Saturated Fat

      9 g

    • Carbohydrates

      34 g

    • Sodium

      1450 mg

    • Cholesterol

      130 mg

    • Protein

      38 g

    • Fiber

      6 g

    • Sugar

      5 g

    This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

    From staff writer G. Daniela Galarza.

    Tested by Kara Elder.

    Published March 30, 2022

    ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZL%2Bmr8ipnKxno6W%2FqrrGZpqhoZOgsq95z6iraA%3D%3D