Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
  • 1 (3 1/2 lb) chicken, washed and dried
  • kitchen twine
  • oil, for coating grill grate
  • 3 large bartlett pears, firm but not hard
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons dried rosemary, crushed
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 14 cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon chinese chili paste with garlic
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 12 teaspoon kosher salt

Method

  • To Make Tuscan Rosemary Rub: Combine all of the ingredients.
  • Use as directed in a recipe; can be stored in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Reserve 2 tablespoons for this recipe.
  • To Make Peking Crackle: Combine all of the ingredients.
  • Serve at room temperature.
  • Refrigerate in a tightly closed container for up to 1 month.
  • Bring back to room temperature before serving.
  • This makes about 1/2 cup; reserve for this recipe.
  • To Grill the Chicken: Heat the grill.
  • For a gas grill: Use Indirect heat, medium (325 degrees to 350 degrees F).
  • If using a 3-burner grill--middle burner off or 2-burner grill--1 side off.
  • For a charcoal grill: Indirect heat, medium ash and split the charcoal bed (about 2 dozen coals per side & have ready about 20 replacement coals) with a heavy-duty drip pan set between banks of charcoal.
  • TO PREPARE THE CHICKEN:.
  • Mix 1 tablespoon of the rub with the butter by mashing them with a fork on a clean work surface until well blended.
  • Separate the skin from the breast and legs of the chicken and gently but firmly insert your index finger under the skin at the neck end of the chicken.
  • Move it around, separating the skin from the meat underneath.
  • Gradually ease your whole hand under the skin, loosening the skin from the breast, legs, and drumsticks.
  • Spoon the herb butter under the skin and push it evenly over the breast and legs of the chicken by rubbing the skin to spread the butter.
  • Spoon the remaining 1 tablespoon rub into the interior of the chicken and rub it over the walls of the internal cavity.
  • Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine.
  • Brush the grill grate and coat it with oil.
  • Put the chicken on the grill away from the heat, cover the grill, and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers about 170F, about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
  • Baste with half the glaze during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
  • (See note below.)
  • If your grill has a temperature gauge, it should stay at around 350F If you are using charcoal, you will probably have to replenish the coals after the first hour.
  • Meanwhile, cut the pears in half lengthwise, remove the core with a melon baller and coat the pear halves with the oil.
  • During the last 10 minutes of cooking, put the pears directly over the heat, and cook until browned and tender, brushing with the remaining glaze and turning once.
  • Remove the chicken and pears to a large serving platter, lifting the chicken with tongs and using a spatula for support.
  • Let rest for 8 to 10 minutes; carve and serve.
  • NOTE REGARDING THE PEKING CRACKLE: This salty, sweet and savory glaze is delicious on any poultry.
  • It is best used with indirect grilling.
  • If used directly over a flame, watch its progress very carefully.
  • It can reduce to a blackened sheen in a few untended seconds.