Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken & Aromatics
- 1600 g whole chicken, room temperature, patted dry
- 12 g kosher salt
- 2 g black pepper, freshly ground
- 15 ml olive oil
- 4 shallots, peeled and halved
- 1 garlic, head, halved horizontally
Sherry-Mustard Vinaigrette
- 45 ml sherry vinegar
- 15 g dijon mustard, smooth
- 5 g fresh tarragon, chopped
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 180°C (350°F).
Generously season the chicken inside and out with the salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breast-side down and sear until the skin is deep golden brown, about 5-8 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for your sauce.
Flip the chicken breast-side up. Scatter the shallots and halved garlic head around the bird. Cover the pot with its lid.
Transfer the covered Dutch oven to the preheated oven. Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh registers 74°C (165°F). The covered environment gently steams the meat in its own juices.
Remove the chicken from the pot and transfer to a cutting board to rest for at least 15 minutes. Leave the roasted garlic, shallots, and rendered juices in the pot.
While the pot is still warm (but off direct heat), add the sherry vinegar and Dijon mustard directly into the pan juices. Whisk vigorously to emulsify the rendered chicken fat with the vinegar. The sauce should become creamy and opaque. Stir in the chopped herbs.
Carve the chicken and serve immediately, spooning the warm vinaigrette and roasted shallots over the meat.
Chef's Notes
- Searing the breast side first is crucial—it renders the skin fat which becomes the base of your vinaigrette.
- Sherry vinegar is the gold standard here for its nutty complexity, but cider vinegar works in a pinch for a more rustic flavor.
- If the chicken releases very little juice (common with air-chilled birds), add a splash of chicken stock or water before whisking in the vinegar.
- Don't discard the roasted garlic skins until you've squeezed the sweet, mellow paste into your sauce or spread it on crusty bread.
Storage
Refrigerator: 3 days — Store meat off the bone in an airtight container. Keep sauce separate if possible, as it may separate.
Freezer: 3 months — Meat freezes well; the vinaigrette may break upon thawing and require re-emulsification.
Reheating: Gently warm chicken in a pan with a splash of water or stock. Warm the sauce separately and whisk vigorously to re-emulsify.
