Whole Roasted Chicken with Plumped Raisins, Toasted Pine Nuts, and Arugula

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 300F.

2. 2

   Put the raisins in a small ramekin and pour in the olive oil and 1 tablespoon water.

3. 3

   Add the rosemary.

4. 4

   Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the raisins are plump.

5. 5

   Remove the raisins from the oven and set aside to cool.

6. 6

   Crank the oven temperature up to 450F.

7. 7

   Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity and rinse the chicken inside and out under cold water.

8. 8

   Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

9. 9

   Run your finger between the skin and the reast meat of the chicken, and slip the thyme sprigs in there.

10. 10

    Season the body and cavity of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.

11. 11

    Put a 10-inch ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add the canola oil.

12. 12

    When the oil is hot, lay the chicken in the pan, breast side down, tucking the wings under.

13. 13

    Put the skillet in the oven and roast until the chicken starts to brown, about 35 minutes.

14. 14

    Carefully take the pan out of the oven.

15. 15

    Insert tongs or a sturdy wooden spoon into the cavity of the chicken and gently lift the chicken out, being careful not to tear the skin.

16. 16

    Tilt the chicken slightly so all of the juices from the inside run out into the pan.

17. 17

    Set the chicken on a large plate for a minute.

18. 18

    Discard all of the pan juices, which will mostly be fat.

19. 19

    Nestle the chicken back in the pan, breast side up.

20. 20

    Return it to the oven and roast for 30 minutes.

21. 21

    The chicken is done when the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a knife.

22. 22

    To be extra sure, pop an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165F.

23. 23

    Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before carving so the juices can settle back into the meat.

24. 24

    To make a quick pan sauce, pour off the excess fat from the pan drippings.

25. 25

    Put the skillet over medium-high heat and add the wine.

26. 26

    Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the brown bits stuck to bottom of the pan.

27. 27

    Season with salt and pepper.

28. 28

    To serve, put a bed of arugula on individual plates or on a platter and arrange the carved chicken on top.

29. 29

    Scatter the raisins and pine nuts all over.

30. 30

    Drizzle with the pan sauce and a little of the raisin oil.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.