Roast Chickens with Pistachio Salsa, Peppers, and Corn

A flavorful roasted chicken dish marinated in fresh herbs and served with a vibrant mixture of peppers, corn, and a zesty pistachio salsa. The chickens are infused with lemon, thyme, rosemary, and sage, then roasted until golden and juicy.

8 servings
6 hr 2 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
  • 2 whole whole chickens
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 to taste black pepper
  • 1 whole lemon
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ cup minced red onion
  • ¼ cup minced capers
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 to taste kosher salt
  • 8 cups bell peppers
  • 4 whole red Fresno chiles
  • 3 cups fresh corn kernels
  • 2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup unsalted shelled pistachios
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Whisk lemon juice, oil, garlic, 3 tablespoons thyme, rosemary, and sage in a small bowl; set marinade aside.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Season chickens with salt and pepper inside and out. Place each inside a resealable plastic bag; divide marinade between bags. Spread marinade evenly to distribute. Seal bags and chill for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.

    240 min

  3. 3.

    Preheat oven to 450°F. Transfer chickens from bags to a small roasting pan; gently blot excess oil from marinade with paper towels, leaving herbs intact on chicken skin. Stuff each chicken with a lemon half and several thyme sprigs. Tie legs together with kitchen twine, if desired.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Roast until well browned, 30-35 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F and continue roasting, occasionally basting chickens with pan juices, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F, 20-30 minutes longer. Transfer chickens to a carving board; let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

    85 min

  5. 5.

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, capers, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft but not brown, about 5 minutes. Add peppers and chiles; season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 10-12 minutes. Stir in caper brine, corn, parsley, and vinegar just before serving.

    17 min

  6. 6.

    Combine first 4 ingredients in a small bowl. Stir in oil. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Let come to room temperature before serving. Serve with chickens and peppers and corn.

    5 min

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