Firehouse Chicken

Directions

1. 1
   Puree garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, parsley, paprika, pepper, and 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a blender until smooth. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over. Seal bag and chill chicken 1-3 days.
2. 2
   Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Let sit uncovered at room temperature 1 hour.
3. 3
   Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat remaining 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Place 1 chicken half, skin side down, in skillet, set another skillet or heavy pot on top, and add a couple of cans to weigh it down. Cook until skin is browned and crisp, 15-20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken half.
4. 4
   Roast chicken in oven, skin side up, until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.