This incredible recipe for an intensely-seasoned grilled whole chicken served with a refreshing gingered starfruit and cranberry sauce was created by Chef Walter Staib of The City Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Grilled Whole Chicken with Starfruit Cranberry Sauce

8 cloves garlic, peeled
1 red onion, peeled and chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 cup orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
1 orange, quartered
1 white onion, peeled and quartered

 

Starfruit Cranberry Sauce:
1 1/4 cups orange juice
1 cup granulated sugar
2 ripe starfruit, diced
1 package cranberries (12 ounces), rinsed
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

1. In food processor or blender, place garlic cloves, red onion, jalapeno pepper, parsley, cilantro, salt, cumin, oregano, orange juice and vegetable oil. Puree thoroughly. Set marinade aside.
2. Rinse chicken and pat dry.
3. Gently insert fingers under skin, loosening as much as possible without puncturing over breast, thighs and drumsticks. Place chicken in plastic oven roasting bag. Rub marinade into meat beneath the loosened skin and into body and neck cavities.
4. Place quartered orange and quartered onion pieces inside body cavity. Pour any remaining marinade over chicken and close bag tightly. Refrigerate overnight. Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry.
5. Grill chicken over charcoal (or gas - medium heat) medium-hot coals until skin is deep golden brown and meat is cooked through, about 1 hour and 40 minutes (or about 25 minutes per pound.) Internal temperature should reach 180°F (85°C) when done, measured in the deepest part of the thigh, not touching the bone. (Or, roast chicken in the oven for 90 minutes at 375°F / 190°C)
6. While chicken cooks, prepare Starfruit Cranberry Sauce by combining orange juice and sugar in heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring. Reduce heat to simmer; cook 5 minutes. Stir in starfruit, cranberries and ginger. Simmer, stirring, until berries pop, about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Makes 4 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the National Chicken Council. Used with permission.