She Strengthens

Elevate Your Roasted Chicken with the Luxurious Flavor of Truffles

As the cooler months approach, our taste buds crave rich, earthy flavors that evoke feelings of comfort and indulgence. One such ingredient that fits the bill perfectly is the truffle, with its deep, umami flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken.

Choosing the Right Truffles

For this recipe, we recommend using fresh black winter truffles, which offer a more robust flavor profile compared to their summer counterparts. If fresh truffles are not available, you can opt for frozen or jarred ones, but be aware that the flavor may not be as intense. Look for truffles at gourmet grocery stores or online at specialty retailers.

The Perfect Pairing: Truffles and Madeira

Madeira, a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of the same name, complements the earthy flavor of truffles beautifully. Its slightly sweet notes enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish, but you can also substitute it with tawny or reserve port if needed.

Preparing the Chicken

To start, combine softened butter with Madeira or port wine in a small bowl. Coarsely chop half of the truffle slices and add them to the butter mixture, stirring to combine. Next, separate the chicken skin from the meat, taking care not to tear it, and evenly distribute the butter mixture underneath the skin across the breast and legs. Reserve the remaining truffle slices and place them under the skin as well.

Letting it Marinate

Rub the chicken skin with kosher salt, place it on a plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb the rich aroma of the truffles.

Roasting to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F and arrange the rack in the middle. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and rub the skin with olive oil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Place the chicken on a rack in a baking dish or small roasting pan and roast until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.

Savoring the Flavor

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving. The result is a tender, juicy chicken infused with the deep, earthy flavor of truffles. Pair it with a glass of Nebbiolo, a wine that complements the mushroomy flavors of the truffles, and you’ll be in for a truly unforgettable culinary experience.

Recipe Details

Yield: 4 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins, plus overnight
Active Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Madeira or port wine
• 1 (1-ounce) fresh black winter truffle, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt
• 1 (4 1/2- to 5-pound) whole chicken, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper