Chicken in a Watermelon

Ingredients

• 1 very large watermelon
• 1 roaster chicken, about 5 to 6 pounds
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 lemon
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 2 tablespoons chilled butter

• Nutritional Information

  • Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

    701 calories; 51 grams fat; 15 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 20 grams monounsaturated fat; 10 grams polyunsaturated fat; 2 grams carbohydrates; 0 grams dietary fiber; 0 grams sugars; 54 grams protein; 275 milligrams cholesterol; 1091 milligrams sodium

  Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
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8 servings

Preparation

1. Cut a 1/4-inch-thick horizontal slice off bottom of watermelon, so it won’t roll. Discard. Cut off the top third of the melon horizontally, then scoop out seeds and enough of the pulp from both remaining parts to make room for the chicken.
2. Season cavity of chicken with salt and pepper. Insert lemon pricked with fork, along with 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce. Brush outside of chicken with remaining soy sauce, and sprinkle with five-spice powder.
3. Place chicken in the larger part of the melon, and position the other piece of melon on top, securing with long skewers.
4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, and bake 2 hours. Then, reduce heat to 300 degrees and bake 2 1/2 hours longer.
5. Place watermelon on a tray and show it to guests. Return it to kitchen: remove chicken and carve. With a ladle, remove juices from watermelon and reduce in skillet until thickened; whisk in cold butter and spoon over chicken before serving