by csmcbride
Photo by csmcbride
csmcbride's Notes:
Expand1 to 1/4 pound poussin Ask a question about this ingredient
2 sprigs thyme Ask a question about this ingredient
1 tablespoon softened butter Ask a question about this ingredient
salt and pepper Ask a question about this ingredient
1/2 bunch arugula, rinsed in several washes of cold water and dried Ask a question about this ingredient
2 slices day-old rustic bread, crusts removed and cut into 1 inch cubes Ask a question about this ingredient
3 tablespoons olive oil Ask a question about this ingredient
1 tablespoon white wine or Champagne vinegar Ask a question about this ingredient
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot Ask a question about this ingredient
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Ask a question about this stepAdd the bread cubes to a large bowl and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with sea salt and pepper and toss to combine. Pour cubes onto a foil lined baking sheet and set aside. Tear the arugula into pieces and to the bowl.
Ask a question about this stepRemove the neck and wing tips from the poussin. Cut out the backbone with poultry shears or, if unavailable, a sharp chef's knife. Rinse the bird and dry thoroughly on both sides. Gently flatten the poussin with the palm of your hand. Save the bird trimmings for use in stock.
Ask a question about this stepLoosen the skin on each breast with your index finger and then lift to add a sprig of thyme under each breast. Rub the skin with the butter and season both sides of the bird with salt and pepper.
Ask a question about this stepHeat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Place the bird skin side down in the pan for two to three minutes or until browned. Remove from the heat and place in the oven.
Ask a question about this stepCook for eight minutes. Turn the bird over and continue cooking for another six to seven minutes. Remove from the oven and set to rest for 10 minutes. Cut the bird down the breastplate to split in half.
Ask a question about this stepWhile the bird is resting, place the bread cubes in the oven and toast for 10 minutes.
Ask a question about this stepPour off the excess juices from the skillet. Return to stovetop over a medium heat. Add shallot and cook until softened, around 2-3 minutes.
Ask a question about this stepAdd the vinegar to the pan and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the olive oil and cook for around a minute to warm.
Ask a question about this stepRemove the bread cubes from the oven and add to the bowl with the arugula. Drizzle the vinegar, shallot, chicken dripping mixture over the salad. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the salad and toss to combine.
Ask a question about this stepArrange the salad on a plate and add the bird halves over the top. Enjoy!
Ask a question about this stepCan't wait to try this Chris. I am 100% behind the Zuni method.
Nozlee is the Assistant Editor of Food52.
This looks fantastic!