"Ode to Zuni" Roast Chicken with Fennel Panzanella Recipe

Step 1In a small bowl, combine the chopped rosemary and sage with 1 tablespoon of the thyme and 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken and let stand at room temperature for 2 hours.

Step 2Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. On a baking sheet, toss the bread with 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and spread it out in a single layer. Toast for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool.

Step 3Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F. Brush most of the herb mixture off the chicken. Set the chicken on a rack set over a baking sheet and rub all over with the duck fat. Roast for about 50 minutes, until golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes, then cut into pieces.

Step 4Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the shallot with the lemon juice and a pinch of salt and let stand for 5 minutes. Trim the ends from the Meyer lemon and slice 1/8 inch thick. Stack the slices and cut into 1/8-inch-thick matchsticks, then cut into 1/8-inch dice; you should have 1/4 cup. Add the diced Meyer lemon to the shallot mixture and stir in the chopped olives, flat-leaf parsley, and 6 tablespoons of the olive oil. Season the salsa with salt and pepper.

Step 5In a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup of the olive oil. Add the rosemary sprig and crumbled chiles and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the fennel, red onion, garlic, the remaining 1 tablespoon of thyme, and 1 teaspoon of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly golden in spots, about 5 minutes. Stir in the white wine vinegar and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Pour the onion-fennel mixture over the croutons and mix well.

Step 6Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet. Add the escarole and season with salt and black pepper. Cook over moderate heat, stirring, just until wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 7Spread half of the panzanella on a large serving platter and top with half of the escarole; repeat with the remaining panzanella and escarole. Arrange the chicken on the salad and spoon the lemon salsa on top.

Looking for more chicken recipes? Try our collections of chicken breast recipes, chicken casserole recipes, and recipes for leftover chicken.