Use need
1 free range chicken, approximately 1,5kg or larger
For the roasting pan
2 red onions, peeled, cut into wedges
2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
About 6 slices fresh ginger root
3 star anise
3-4 mandarin oranges, cut into 10-15mm slices
Seasoning
Grated zest of 1 mandarin
125ml mandarin juice (about 3 mandarins)
125ml good quality chicken stock
20ml light soy sauce
Ground sea salt
Ground black pepper
To prepare
Set the oven temperature to 200°C
Remove the bag of giblets etc and any excess fat from the cavity
Place the chicken breast side down
Using a pair of poultry shears cut on either side of the spine from the tail to the neck cavity.
Discard the spine.
Turn the chicken over and with the heel of the hand press the chicken firmly down to flatten it completely.
Prepare the roasting pan by distributing all the ingredients over the base.
Place the chicken on top, skin side up.
Mix the stock, mandarin juice and soy sauce and pour it over the chicken.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast uncovered at 200°C for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180°C for 45 minutes
OR
Microwave on a combination roast setting according to the instruction manual. (you will be required to programme in the weight of the bird)
Once cooked
Place the chicken on a serving platter. Spoon the onion and mandarin around it.
Pour the pan juices into a serving jug or bowl.