Coastal Mains

Sunday Best Chicken with Herb Butter, French Toast Croutons, and Arugula Salad

Name: Sunday Best Chicken with Herb Butter, French Toast Croutons, and Arugula Salad
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ½ cup butter, room temperature, 1 stick; Juice of 1 medium lemon, about 3 tablespoons, rinds reserved; 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced, about 2 tablespoons; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage; 1 (4 to 5-pound) whole chicken; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper; 3 large Kaiser rolls; 3 large eggs; ¾ cup milk; 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated, about ½ cup; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; 2 whole garlic cloves, peeled and minced, about 1 tablespoon; 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard; ¼ cup tarragon vinegar; ½ cup olive oil; 6 ounces baby arugula leaves, about 6 cups; 1 medium shallot, peeled and thinly sliced

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The Strategy:

Roasting a whole chicken with a generous coating of herb butter underneath the skin ensures an incredibly juicy bird with crisp, golden skin. Serve the chicken alongside a bed of peppery arugula salad tossed with crispy, savory French toast croutons that soak up the delicious pan juices. It's a gorgeous, comforting twist on a roast chicken dinner that feels both familiar and exciting.

Serves: 4-6 | Total Time: 45 minutes till it's ready

Ingredients

Herb Butter

½ cup butter, room temperature, 1 stick
Juice of 1 medium lemon, about 3 tablespoons, rinds reserved
4 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced, about 2 tablespoons
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

Chicken

1 (4 to 5-pound) whole chicken
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon coarse black pepper

French Toast Croutons

3 large Kaiser rolls
3 large eggs
¾ cup milk
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated, about ½ cup
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

Arugula Salad

2 whole garlic cloves, peeled and minced, about 1 tablespoon
1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
¼ cup tarragon vinegar
½ cup olive oil
6 ounces baby arugula leaves, about 6 cups
1 medium shallot, peeled and thinly sliced

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450°.
Mix together the softened butter with lemon juice, garlic and herbs. Use your hands to cover the chicken with the herb butter. Use your fingers to gently loosen the skin and place some of the butter between the skin and the meat.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Place lemon rinds into the cavity of the chicken.
Place the chicken into a baking dish coated with vegetable oil spray or you can use an upright roaster.
Place the dish into the oven. After 10 minutes, reduce the heat to 350°.
Bake until the skin is crisp and the juices run clear, about 15 minutes per pound.
Remove the chicken to a carving board and let rest for 15 minutes.

French Toast Croutons

Heat the oven to 350°.
Slice the round edges from the top and bottom of the rolls and cut each one into two slices.
Whisk together the eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese and thyme in a shallow bowl.
Place each slice into the egg mixture.
Let the bread soak for about 30 seconds per side.
Transfer to a parchment lined baking tray.
Bake until the croutons are golden brown on the bottom, about 5 to 6 minutes. Use a spatula to turn the croutons and bake on the other side until golden, about 5 minutes more. Keep the croutons warm.

Arugula Salad

Whisk together the garlic, mustard and vinegar.
Season with salt and pepper and slowly whisk in the olive oil.
Toss together the arugula and shallots.
Drizzle just enough vinaigrette onto the salad to coat the leaves.
Arrange the croutons onto a platter. Carve the chicken into 8 pieces. Lay each piece onto a crouton and pour the pan juices over top.
Top with arugula salad.

The full recipe lives in the Vault

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Sunday Know How

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Sunday Swaps

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Sunday Know How

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The Heart of the Table

Placed in the center of the table, this golden roast chicken stands as the ultimate symbol of home-cooked abundance. The combination of warm, savory croutons, peppery greens, and juicy chicken invites family and friends to pass the platter and enjoy a slow, heartwarming meal.

An appetizing, fresh serving of cooked Sunday Best Chicken with Herb Butter, French Toast Croutons, and Arugula Salad displayed beautifully on a styled dining table.

The Art of the Host

a flexible stainless steel slotted turner with a walnut handle
a mouth-blown glass dressing cruet with a hand-ground glass stopper
a fine-blade microplane zester with an ergonomic soft-grip handle
a pair of professional-grade stainless steel locking kitchen tongs
a hand-turned, wide-rimmed salad bowl crafted from solid cherrywood
a set of matte-finished ceramic salad plates chilled beforehand

Neighborly Grace

THE PRESENTATION: Present the roast chicken whole on a large stoneware platter, surrounded by the golden French toast croutons and dressed arugula. Carve the chicken at the table to share the savory aromas and make the meal feel interactive.
THE POUR: Pair this roasted chicken with a crisp, medium-bodied Pinot Noir or a dry Chenin Blanc served at 50°F in a white wine glass. For a non-alcoholic option, serve a chilled sparkling water infused with fresh lemon wheels and a sprig of thyme.
THE VIBE: Evening Dining Room. The bright, cheerful conversation and rich aromas of roast chicken create a warm, inviting space for everyone.

Chef’s Recommendations

Olives and Capers for the Roast: Poached Zucchini & Roasted Tomatoes
The Tray of Vegetables: Sheet Pan Roasted Veggies
The Sunday Dessert: Winter Harvest Fruit Crumble
Mushrooms to Start: Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms

The Estate Table

Build tonight’s menu around this dish.

✦ Set the Table

Sunday Best Chicken with French Toast Croutons

Sunday Best Chicken with Herb Butter, French Toast Croutons, and Arugula Salad

Ingredients

Herb Butter

Chicken

French Toast Croutons

Arugula Salad

Instructions

French Toast Croutons

Arugula Salad

The full recipe lives in the Vault

The Heart of the Table

The Art of the Host

Neighborly Grace

✨ The Gilded Swaps