Roast Chicken with Taqueria-Style Green Sauce

Step 1

Put the chicken on a sheet pan fitted with a rack. Season liberally with salt. Refrigerate, uncovered, overnight.

Step 2

When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Step 3

Season the chicken again with salt. Roast the chicken until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 160 degrees F, 50 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 4

While the chicken is roasting, preheat a stovetop grill to high. Place the tomatillos and jalapeño on the grill. Cook until blistered and charred in spots, 8 to 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a blender.

Step 5

Add the honey, lime juice, cilantro and salt and pepper to taste to the blender. Process until the desired consistency, but don’t let it get too smooth. Set aside.

Step 6

Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour the pan juices into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Working with 1 or 2 tablespoons at a time, whisk the butter into the juices until incorporated and smooth. Whisk in the vinegar.

Step 7

Carve the chicken and arrange on a platter. (Reserve the carcass for stock.) Pour the pan juices around the chicken. Drizzle the green sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with the scallions and chives.