Mrs David even suggests preparing an old boiling fowl in this way but I cannot agree. A really good chicken is required for such a simple dish. I think it best served lukewarm with a salad and some good bread, but it will also do very well at a picnic.
Place the onions in a deep casserole dish with the olive oil, the thyme, a little salt and the cayenne pepper. Sit the cleaned chicken on top of the onions, season with salt and pepper. Cover the casserole and
