Tuscan-Style Peppered Chicken

Copious amounts of coarsely ground black pepper is what makes this simple chicken dish so incredibly good with a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Pour your favorite chianti and enjoy!

Recipe Ingredients:

2 (3 1/2-pound) chickens, halved, backbones removed, excess fat trimmed
8 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra-virgin)
2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
Kosher or sea salt
Lemon wedges for squeezing

Cooking Directions:

1. Rub each chicken half all over with 2 tablespoons oil, then 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Sprinkle generously with salt. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
2. Preheat broiler. Arrange chicken, skin side down, on broiler pan. Watching closely to avoid burning, broil chicken 5 to 6 inches from heat source until golden brown, about 12 minutes. Remove broiler pan from oven. Using tongs, transfer chicken to plate. Pour off any pan drippings. Return chicken, skin side up, to broiler pan. Broil until skin is crisp and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn chicken over, skin side down again, and broil until cooked through, about 8 minutes longer. Transfer chicken to platter; let stand 5 minutes.
3. Serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over chicken.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.