Roasted chicken, summer tomato and basil panzanella

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 6 unpeeled garlic cloves, bashed
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 loaf day-old rustic bread, torn into bite-size chunks
• 1 kilogram mixed ripe vine tomatoes, cored
• 2 shallots, finely sliced
• 1 bunch basil, leaves picked
• 1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• Sea salt flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup green olives, stoned and halved
• 1/4 cup capers, drained
• 1/4 cup grated pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff chicken: Stuff lemon half and thyme sprigs into chicken cavity. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast chicken: Place chicken on a rack in a roasting tin with garlic cloves. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Roast for 45 minutes.
4. Prepare croutons: Toss torn bread with 2 tablespoons olive oil and seasoning. Add to roasting tin and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Make salad: Combine tomatoes, shallots, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar in a bowl. Scrunch up tomatoes with your hands.
6. Combine salad and croutons: Add croutons, roasting juices from chicken, and chicken juices to salad. Mix well. Let sit for 10 minutes.
7. Add olives and capers: Stir in olives and capers. Season with more vinegar and olive oil if needed.
8. Carve chicken: Remove chicken from oven and let rest. Carve into pieces.
9. Assemble: Place carved chicken on a platter. Top with salad and remaining basil and parsley. Sprinkle with cheese (if using).

Optional additions:

• For extra flavor: Add a pinch of dried oregano or basil to the roasting tin.
• For a smoky flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the roasting tin.
• For a tangy kick: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice or orange zest to the salad dressing.
• For additional vegetables: Add cucumber, red onion, or roasted red peppers to the salad.

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Chicken Panzanella!