ROAST CHICKEN WITH SPANISH PAPRIKA AND HERB-ROASTED SMASHED POTATOES

Roast Chicken with Spanish Paprika and Herb-Roasted Smashed Potatoes image

Provided by Molly Stevens

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings (plus leftovers)

Number Of Ingredients 7

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2 (5-pound) roasting chickens
8 large sprigs fresh thyme plus 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
2 1/2 teaspoons hot smoked Spanish paprika* divided
1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter)
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil
*Sometimes called hot Pimentón de La Vera; available at some supermarkets and at tienda.com.

Steps:

Butterfly the chicken.
Tuck wing tips behind shoulder. Transfer to large rimmed baking sheet. Using fingertips, separate skin from chicken over breasts and thighs. Insert 1 thyme sprig between skin and flesh over each breast and each thigh. Repeat with second chicken. Mix 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt and 2 teaspoons paprika in small bowl. Sprinkle all over chickens.
Transfer uncovered chickens, skin side up, to refrigerator; chill at least 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Place potatoes in 11x7x2-inch baking dish. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; toss. Drizzle chicken with 2 teaspoons oil. Place chicken and potatoes in oven; roast until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, about 1 hour. Let chickens rest 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon chopped thyme. Return to oven and roast until tender and skins wrinkle slightly, about 5 minutes. Coarsely smash. Cut chickens into breast, wing, thigh, and leg pieces. Transfer to platter. Drizzle some drippings over; serve.