A question about a recipe: Spatchcocked and Braise-Roasted Chicken

I have a question about step 3 on the recipe "Spatchcocked and Braise-Roasted Chicken" from amanda. It says:

"Set the pan back on the stove. Add the shallots and garlic, and cook over medium heat until the shallot has softened, about 2 minutes. Add the rosemary, sage and sherry. Increase the heat and boil off nearly all the sherry. Add 1 cup chicken broth and the lemon slices. Gently lower the chicken back into the pan, again skin-side up."

Do I return the backbone of the chicken back into the pan at this point? I would assume so after taking the trouble to brown it in the beginning but I am not sure.

yingy
  • Posted by: yingy
  • June 28, 2011
  • 3228 views
  • 4 Comments
Spatchcocked and Braise-Roasted Whole Chicken
Recipe question for: Spatchcocked and Braise-Roasted Whole Chicken

4 Comments

yingy
yingy June 28, 2011
Thanks for all the responses. I wasn't sure if the spine was added back in to enhance the flavor of the braising liquid/pan sauce, but as Antonia noted the juices and bones from the roasting chicken should be sufficient. I do typically keep the spines in my freezer to roast together for stock (much to the chagrin of my roommates). Looking forward to trying this recipe soon!
 
Amanda H.
Amanda H. June 28, 2011
It's up to you -- you can add it back if you want to pick the small bits of meat off the bone. Otherwise, like some others have suggested, use it for stock!
 
Greenstuff
Greenstuff June 28, 2011
No, the backbone is not meant to be added back. You can, of course put it in if you have a use for a roasted backbone. I usually use mine, either roasted or raw, in stock.

Sometimes, when it's just us and no guests, I don't remove the backbone when I spatchcock. I just cut the up along one side of the backbone and leave the other side attached to the bird.
 
AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames June 28, 2011
I've used this recipe many times. I generally save the backs (freeze them), and when I have three or four, I roast them at the same time I'm roasting something else -- in my case, that would usually be a loaf of bread -- to use for stock. With the rest of the bird roasting for this dish, you really don't need to cook the back. But that's just my (some would say not very) humble opinion. ;o)
 
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