Molly Yeh Spatchcock Chicken Recipes

SKILLET CHICKEN WITH SPRING VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Add the coriander to a spice grinder and pulse a few times until the seeds are just cracked. Set aside.
• Sprinkle the chicken thighs all over with salt and pepper. Add the oil to a large cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-high. Once the oil begins to shimmer, sear the chicken, skin side down, until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Turn the thighs over and cook until brown, about 5 minutes more. Remove from the pan to a plate, skin side up, and set aside.
• After the chicken is removed from the pan, add the cracked coriander and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until soft, about 2 minutes. Nestle the bok choy into the leeks and add 2 tablespoons of water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken, skin side up, into the vegetables and cook for a few minutes until the thighs are 165 degrees F in the thickest part. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the chives. Serve right from the pan!

SPATCHCOCK ROAST CHICKEN WITH SCHMALTZY POTATOES AND GREEN GODDESS SAUCE

Steps:

• Locate the backbone of the chicken and cut all the way through the bird along both sides of the backbone. Save the bone for stock. Turn the chicken over and press down firmly to crack the keel bone. Your chicken is now spatchcocked and will lay flat.
• Sprinkle salt all over the chicken from 8 inches above the bird. That ensures the salt falls evenly over the chicken. Place on a baking sheet or a baking pan and refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 12 hours and up to 36 hours.
• When the chicken is ready, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper and place on a sheet tray. Place the chicken over the bed of potatoes, breast-side up and wings tucked under, then brush with olive oil.
• Roast for 10 minutes, then turn the oven down to 400 degrees F and roast until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F, about 40 minutes more. You can make the Green Goddess Sauce now.
• When the chicken is fully cooked, place it on a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. While waiting for the chicken, put the potatoes back in the oven at 450 degrees F and roast until crispy, another 10 to 15 minutes.
• To serve, slice the chicken breasts off the bone and slice each breast at an angle into 1-inch slices. Remove the wings and leg quarters and separate the thigh from the drumstick. The remaining carcass can be saved and frozen to make chicken stock. Serve the chicken with the schmaltz potatoes and Green Goddess Sauce.
• Soak the cashews in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain, then add the soaked cashews, 6 tablespoons water, the lemon juice, olive oil, horseradish, maple syrup, garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a high-speed blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth. Add the cilantro, parsley, tarragon, dill and green onion and blend until all the herbs are fully incorporated. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. If it becomes thick, thin with water as needed.

CHICKPEA SQUASH POT PIE

Steps:

• Arrange an oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• In a 12-inch cast-iron pan over medium heat, add the oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is melted, add the carrots, celery and onions and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened, about 7 minutes. Add the thyme, za'atar, paprika, cayenne and garlic and cook until sizzling, about 30 seconds. Add the red wine. Bring to a boil and then lower to a simmer to reduce by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the broth and tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add the chickpeas, parsley, butternut squash, apple and bay leaf and bring back to a simmer. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce is thickened.
• Add the vinegar and honey and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Remove from the heat.
• Lay the phyllo on your work surface. Brush 1 sheet with some of the melted butter and sprinkle with a little za'atar. Slide your hands under the sheet and loosely crumple it from underneath; it should sort of look like a messy rose. Lay on top of the pot pie. Repeat with the remaining phyllo and butter, sprinkling each with a little za'atar. Sprinkle all over with a little flaky salt. Bake until the phyllo is crisp and golden and the vegetables are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with a little more parsley and serve.
• Let leftover pot pie come to room temperature and then store, phyllo on top, in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days.