Roasting an entire chicken is a deceptively impressive display of kitchen prowess. No one else needs to know how easy this really is. We can keep it between the two of us once you give it a try, because as soon as you trot this platter out for a family dinner, you can frolic through the mounds of praise for days on end. Just make sure you put the chicken down first.
During autumn you have your pick of winter squashes and other veggies to accompany a chicken, but today we’re taking advantage of some seasonal fruit: grapes… and their even better drinkable counterpart: wine.
With the seasons changing, we’ve just finished my favorite part of the year here in Virginia wine country. The grape harvest has been completed. The winery tasting rooms are full and cozy (although to be honest, I’m personally a fan of a practically empty tasting room and will go at opening to avoid crowds. Wine at 11? Sure). Between table grapes and wine grapes, there are plenty of ways to use the flavors of both.
Roasted grapes add a complex sweetness to any dish. While you could absolutely throw them on a sheet pan with your other roasted veggies for the week, I think you’ll love how they turn out with the chicken.
To create a nice sauce to go with the chicken, I sautéed a little garlic and added Chardonnay, bringing it to a simmer. That went into the bottom of the pan along with the grapes and some pearl onions under the chicken. After about an hour, and therefore the addition of chicken flavors, you’re left with a perfectly paired sauce to dip the chicken into, or spoon over veggies or even have with a baguette.
Once you’re done with dinner, you can use the leftovers for sandwiches, salad or even stir-fry. Then make chicken stock you can always freeze for winter soups. Roasted chicken is the gift that keeps on giving. Especially since the best part of all of this, minus the lavish praise, is the aroma. I challenge you to find a better smelling candle than roasted chicken with rosemary.
Note: Great with salad, mashed garlic potatoes, and seasonal veggies.
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