Step 1: All hail, for it is the Roasting of the Chicken
Trim off any excess fat and skin from the chicken and keep it aside (this will be used for the rice in Step 2). The next thing to do is to “exfoliate“! Exfoliating the chicken helps remove any trapped dirt or yucky stuff off the skin. Grab a handful of coarse or kosher salt and start rubbing all over the skin but at the same time being careful not to tear or damage the skin. You should see a smooth clean skin once completed. The next step is to give your chicken a work out! There is a theory that when most chickens are “killed“, their muscles tend to tense up and constrict. By giving the legs and wings gentle pulls and stretches, it should ease the muscle tension and thus giving you a more juicy and tender soft flesh at the end.
Combine the Honey, Maltose, Molasses, Five spice powder, White pepper, Ginger juice and Light soy sauce in a bowl. Stir to mix the marinade and generously rub all over chicken including the cavity. Stuff the Spring onions and Ginger slices into the cavity. Tie the two legs together with a kitchen twine to help cover the cavity. Leave the marinated chicken to air dry in the refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.
Take the chicken out 30-45 mins before roasting to allow it to reach room temperature. Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius. When oven is hot enough, turn it down to 200 degrees Celsius and place the roasting pan with chicken into the oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 180 degrees Celsius and roast for a further 30-45 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken) until skin is crisp and dark brown in colour. Once done, take the chicken out to rest before cutting into pieces.
Step 2: Oh, so divine that fragrant smell of freshly cooked Rice
Wash the rice with 3 to 4 changes of water to remove excess starch and other impurities. Soak rice in water (water must completely cover the top) with 1 teaspoon of salt added. Soak for 10 minutes and drain once completed.
Remember that excess chicken fat at the start of Step 1? I’m assuming you have about 2 tablespoons worth of chicken fat. You’ll need to render that fat. To do so, heat a wok on medium heat and add the chicken fat with 2 tablespoons of water. Bring it down to a low simmering boil for about 10 minutes until oil is released from the fat. Keep 2 teaspoons of the oil for your Chilli and Ginger sauce while the rest of it will be used for the Rice.