
Rinse the chicken if needed and pat it very dry with paper towels. Cut it in half lengthwise through the breastbone and backbone, then make 4 shallow slashes in the thickest part of each half so the marinade can season the meat.



Add the diced tomatoes, diced onion, and diced garlic to a large bowl.



Stir in the salt and pepper, rosemary, thyme, coriander, parsley, paprika, and mustard until the vegetables are evenly coated and the mixture looks like a thick marinade.



Rub the marinade all over both chicken halves, pressing it gently into the slashes. Squeeze the lime juice over the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.



Scrape most of the vegetable marinade off the chicken and reserve it in a bowl. Melt 2 tbsp of the butter or ghee in a large heavy pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken halves, season lightly with extra salt and pepper if desired, cover, and cook for about 25 minutes on the first side.



Turn the chicken over, cover again, and cook for another 25 minutes, until browned and partially cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.



Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter or ghee to the same pot. Add the peeled potatoes and cook in the chicken drippings for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the outside is golden.



Remove the potatoes briefly. Add the reserved tomato-onion marinade to the pot, then place the chicken halves on top. Arrange the potatoes around the chicken and add the bay leaves.



Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes, checking occasionally and scraping the bottom gently so the sauce does not stick. The chicken is done when it is very tender and reaches 165°F in the thickest part.



If serving with cabbage, prepare it while the chicken finishes cooking. Season the cabbage side dish with salt and pepper, add 1/2 cup water and 3 to 4 tbsp dark soy sauce, then simmer until tender.



Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the covered pot for 5 minutes. Serve the chicken with the potatoes, vegetables, and pan sauce spooned over the top.





