CHICKEN SALAD WITH HERBS AND ALEPPO PEPPER

CHICKEN SALAD WITH HERBS AND ALEPPO PEPPER image

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

6 garlic cloves, crushed
2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more
1 tablespoon Aleppo pepper or 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
4 tablespoonsred wine vinegar, divided
4 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano, divided
Freshly ground black pepper
13 1/2-4- pound chicken, cut into quarters
26-inch pita breads, split
1 1/2 teaspoons za'atar
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 cups baby lettuce leaves, or 1 head of Bibb lettuce, leaves torn
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves with tender stems

Steps:

Using a large knife, chop 4 garlic cloves; sprinkle with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and mash to a paste using the side of the knife blade. Transfer to a small bowl and whisk in Aleppo pepper, 3 tablespoons vinegar, 2 tablespoons oil, and 2 tablespoons oregano; season marinade with black pepper. Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag; add marinade, seal bag, and turn to coat. Chill at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours. Place a rack in middle of oven and preheat to 400°. Remove chicken pieces from marinade, season with salt and pepper, and place on a wire rack set inside a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast until golden brown and cooked through and an instant-read thermometer registers 165° when inserted in the thickest part of thigh, 30-40 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle. Meanwhile, place pita bread halves, cut side up, on another large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil, sprinkle with za'atar, and season with salt. Bake until browned and crisp, 5-8 minutes. Let cool; break into bite-size pieces. Pull chicken meat from bones and cut into bite-size pieces; discard skin and bones. Place meat in a large bowl. Scrape in any juices from baking sheet and toss to combine. Combine parsley, lemon juice, and remaining 2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1 tablespoon oregano in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in remaining 1/2 cup oil; season with salt and pepper. Let vinaigrette stand 30 minutes; discard garlic. Add pita chips, lettuce, mint, and cilantro to bowl with chicken; drizzle salad with vinaigrette and toss to coat. DO AHEAD: Pita chips and dressing can be made 2 days ahead. Chicken can be roasted and cut into pieces 1 day ahead. Cover and chill chicken and dressing separately. Store pita chips airtight at room temperature.