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1
Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and remove the innards from the cavity.
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2
Pat dry with paper towels.
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3
Let stand at room temperature for about 1 hour.
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4
Adjust the rack to the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
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5
Use kitchen shears to cut out the backbone of the chicken.
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6
You can do this with a heavy chef's knife, but most people find it easiest with the scissors.
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7
Reserve the backbone for stock later.
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8
Lay your chicken open like a book on your work surface, skin-side up.
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9
Flatten the chicken with your hands with firm pressure; you should hear a cracking noise.
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10
Sprinkle the chicken with the rosemary and fennel seeds, and liberally sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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11
Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
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12
Once hot, add 2 tablespoons olive oil to heat.
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13
Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
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14
While the chicken is searing, add the potatoes, carrots and shallot to a bowl along with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
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15
Season with salt and pepper and toss well, making sure that all the vegetables are coated well with the oil.
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16
Flip the chicken and add the vegetables to the skillet.
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17
Roast the chicken until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F, about 1 hour 10 minutes.
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18
Remove the chicken to a cutting board to rest for 15 minutes before carving.
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19
Use a slotted spoon to remove the vegetables to a platter and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
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20
Meanwhile, place the skillet over a burner and set to medium heat.
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21
Add the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
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22
Stir in chicken broth.
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23
Reduce by half, or until the gravy coats the back of a spoon.
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24
Swirl in the butter at the end of simmering for a richer taste and glossiness.
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25
Carve the chicken into pieces and serve with the vegetables and the gravy.
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26
Sprinkle the vegetables with additional fresh chopped parsley if using.
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27
Cook's Note: Crush the fennel seeds under the blade of your knife to open up the flavor.