Balsamic Roasted Chicken With Figs And Sweet Onions - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)
Mrs. Dash table blend seasoning, to taste (or other)
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large sweet onion, chopped
20 fresh figs, fully intact with stems removed
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
fresh rosemary sprig

Preparation

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Rinse chicken under cold running water. Place it into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or other roasting pan. Generously sprinkle with Ms. Dash and freshly ground black pepper.
Place the chopped onion inside the cavity of the chicken and around it on the bottom of the pan. Place the figs around the chicken.
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and maple syrup in a small bowl or cup. Pour over the chicken. Place a few fresh rosemary springs on and around the chicken.
Add about 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the pan.
Place in the oven and roast at 475 degrees for about 20 minutes to seal in the juices. Reduce heat to 325 degrees and continue to cook until juices run clear, about another 1 1/2 hours.