-
1
Butterfly the chicken by cutting down both sides of the backbone with poultry shears or heavy, sharp scissors and removing the backbone (freeze it to use for ).
-
2
Open the bird, place it skin side up, and press down firmly on it with the palms of your hands to flatten the chicken as much as you can.
-
3
Pat dry.
-
4
Rub the chicken with olive oil, then rub salt all over the bird, then rub with pepper.
-
5
Line a plate with paper towels and set aside.
-
6
Place the bacon in an enameled cast-iron casserole or a Dutch oven and cook over medium heat until browned, about 15 minutes.
-
7
Remove with a slotted spoon to the paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
-
8
Carefully add the chicken to the pot, skin side down.
-
9
Place a foil-wrapped brick (see the What to buy note above) on the chicken to press it against the bottom of the hot pan.
-
10
Cook over medium heat until golden brown, about 15 minutes.
-
11
Remove the brick, carefully flip the chicken using tongs, and pour the rose around the chicken.
-
12
Let cook uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover and cook until the flesh is no longer pink, the juices run clear when the inner thigh is pierced with a knife, or a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the thigh reads 160 degrees F to 165 degrees F, about 15 minutes more.
-
13
Remove the chicken from the pot and set it on a clean cutting board.
-
14
Using shears, scissors, or a sharp knife, cut it into 4 or 8 pieces.
-
15
Pour the sauce from the pot into a fat separator and discard the fat (alternatively, you can pour the sauce into a bowl and skim off the fat).
-
16
Pour the strained sauce back into the pot, add the reserved bacon and the herbs, and stir to combine.
-
17
Add the chicken and stir to coat in the sauce.
-
18
Serve hot.