Roast Chicken With Crunchy Seaweed and Potatoes
Two types of seaweed add flavor and crunch to this otherwise classic golden, roast chicken. A lemon-scented compound butter seasoned with dried red dulse (a mild type of seaweed) adds richness and a mineral, saline character to the bird, which is roasted with kelp and potatoes. As the chicken fat renders, it coats the vegetables, bronzing the potatoes and making the kelp as crisp as seaweed snacks. You do need to plan ahead to source the seaweed and marinate the chicken, but the reward is a robust, one-pan chicken dinner that hits all the right savory notes.
- Total:
- Serves: 4 persons
Ingredients
- 4tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1tablespoon red dulse flakes or powder
- 1teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 ¼teaspoons kosher salt
- 1(3 1/2- to 4-pound) whole chicken, patted dry
- 1small bunch fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme or sage
- 1pound baby potatoes, halved, or quartered if large
- 1small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 2cups ready-cut (or slaw-cut) kelp seaweed (about 6 ounces), water lightly squeezed out (see Note)
- 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Large pinch of red-pepper flakes
Instructions
Step 1
In a small bowl, stir together softened butter, dulse, lemon zest and juice, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Rub all over chicken, including the cavity, underneath the skin, then on top of the skin. Stuff herb bunch into cavity and transfer chicken to a rimmed baking sheet. Let marinate at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator.Step 2
Heat oven to 425 degrees and place a rack in the middle. Remove chicken from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature while you prepare vegetables.Step 3
In a large bowl, toss together potatoes, onion, kelp, oil, red-pepper flakes and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Spread mixture out surrounding the chicken on the baking sheet.Step 4
Roast, tossing vegetables every 20 minutes, until chicken is browned and a thermometer inserted into thickest portion of thigh reads 160 degrees, about 1 hour. Remove from oven, transfer chicken to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil for 10 minutes.Step 5
Transfer roasted vegetables to a serving platter and top with chicken and any remaining juices from baking sheet. Serve immediately.