Tyler Florence's Roast Chicken with Wilted Butter Lettuce and Peas

Prepare the chicken: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Season the chicken cavity with plenty of salt and pepper; stuff the lemon halves, garlic, thyme and bay leaves inside. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Drizzle the skin with olive oil and rub all over; season with plenty of salt and pepper. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan; roast for 1 hour, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving. Meanwhile, prepare the lettuce and peas: Combine the wine , red onion, bay leaf, peppercorns and a pinch of salt in a saucepan ; simmer over medium heat until the mixture is syrupy and just coats the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the butter cubes, a few at a time, to thicken the sauce and give it a shine. Season with salt and pepper and keep warm. (Remove the peppercorns and bay leaf before serving.) Place the peas in a small pot of salted boiling water until heated through; drain . Toss the peas, lettuce and beurre blanc (warm butter sauce) in a bowl until the lettuce wilts slightly. Serve with the chicken. Photograph by Kana Okada