Chicken with Black Pepper Crust

  5.0 – 2 reviews  • Main Dish
Level: Easy
Total: 1 hr 35 min
Active: 20 min
Yield: 3 to 4 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1 whole chicken (3 to 3 1/2 pounds)
  2. Kosher salt
  3. 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  4. 1 cup arugula leaves
  5. 1 1/2 tablespoons black peppercorns
  6. 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. For the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Place the chicken, breast-side up, in the center of a roasting pan (see Cook’s Note). Sprinkle liberally with salt and roast, undisturbed, 25 minutes. Remove and let the par-cooked chicken rest (the breast skin should be nicely browned).
  3. For the crust: Place the breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Finely chop the arugula and place in a medium bowl along with the toasted breadcrumbs. Place the peppercorns on a flat surface such as a cutting board and, using the underside of a skillet, crack them. (The peppercorns should be very coarsely crushed.) Add the peppercorns and butter to the bowl with the breadcrumbs and arugula and mix well.
  4. Gently pat the crust on top of the chicken breast. Place the chicken back in the oven and roast until the juices run clear or a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding bone) registers 160 to 165 degrees F, an additional 25 to 35 minutes (see Cook’s Note). Let rest at least 10 minutes, then carve and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 of 4 servings
Calories 675
Total Fat 47 g
Saturated Fat 16 g
Carbohydrates 12 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugar 1 g
Protein 49 g
Cholesterol 211 mg
Sodium 934 mg

Reviews

Steve Klein
Really very good. The crusty edges of meat are my favorite and this recipe packs terrific flavor. I did however, combine it with Ina’s Perfect Roast Chicken and it was quite delightful.

 

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