A quick and efficient method to cooking a whole chicken is to butterfly it.

Step 1: Firstly, remove any excess fat, typically just inside the cavity. Turn the chicken over so it is breast side down. Face the chicken with the tail end closest to you. 

Step 2: Using sharp kitchen scissors or poultry sheers, cut along both sides of the back-bone, remove and discard it. 

Step 3: Turn the chicken back over, skin side up, and press down on the breastbone to flatten. 

Step 4: If not already done, tuck the wing tips behind, under the chicken.