Roast Chicken

• Recipe by Jerry Traunfeld

More roast chicken recipes have made their way through the F&W Test Kitchen over the years than we can count, but this one from chef-owner Jerry Traunfeld of The Herbfarm near Seattle, which was first published in F&W in July 1999, is memorable because of its garlicky-herb flavor and delicious pan juices. Bruising fresh bay leaves by holding both ends and twisting in opposite directions makes them more potent. If fresh bay leaves are unavailable, use fresh sprigs of thyme or marjoram.

Ingredients

1. Two 3-pound chickens, preferably free range
2. 24 fresh bay leaves, bruised, plus bay branches, for garnish
3. 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4. 3 tablespoons olive oil
5. Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. Bend back the chicken wing tips and tuck them under their first joints. Using your fingertips, carefully loosen the chicken skin: begin at the bottom of the breast and, without tearing the skin, work your hand under it all the way up the breast and down into the thighs on each side.
2. Insert 2 bay leaves in the cavity of each bird. Tuck the remaining leaves under the loosened skin, 2 on each thigh and 3 on each side of each breast. Distribute the garlic slices evenly under the skin. Tie the legs together with string.
3. Set the chickens in a large shallow roasting pan. Rub them all over with the olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Roast the chickens for 55 to 65 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the chickens are browned and the juices run clear.
4. Remove the chickens from the oven and let stand in a warm place for 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter and garnish with the bay branches. Remove and discard the bay leaves from under the skin before carving the chickens.