Delphic Thyme-Scented Chicken with Olive Relish
This is a simple yet flavorful recipe for roasted chicken with a fragrant olive relish. The chicken is generously seasoned with thyme, salt, and pepper, and then roasted until the skin is golden brown and the juices run clear. The olive relish adds a bright, briny flavor to the dish, and is the perfect complement to the moist, tender chicken.
The origins of this recipe can be traced back to ancient Greece. In the town of Delphi, thyme was considered a sacred herb, and was often used in religious ceremonies. It was also believed that thyme had medicinal properties, and was used to treat a variety of ailments. The olive relish is also a nod to the Greek tradition of using olives in cooking. Olives are a staple ingredient in many Greek dishes, and add a unique flavor and texture to this dish.
Delphic Thyme-Scented Chicken with Olive Relish Delphic Thyme-Scented Chicken with Olive Relish Delphic Thyme-Scented Chicken with Olive Relish Delphic Thyme-Scented Chicken with Olive Relish
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 75 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
  3. In a small bowl, combine thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Rub the chicken all over with the spice mixture.
  5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine olives, parsley, oil, and vinegar.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  8. Serve the chicken with the olive relish.
Why It Works
  • The combination of thyme, salt, and pepper creates a flavorful crust on the chicken.
  • Roasting the chicken at a high temperature helps to create a crispy skin and juicy interior.
  • The olive relish adds a bright, briny flavor to the dish.
  • Letting the chicken rest before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.