Basic Roast Chicken

Directions

1. 1
   Place your roasting pan in the oven, and preheat to 425 degrees.
2. 2
   Wash the chicken inside and out with cold water. Pat it as dry as possible with paper towels.
3. 3
   With a sharp knife, make 3 or 4 slashes across each of the thighs.
4. 4
   Rub the entire chicken, including the interior cavity, with olive oil, and then with salt and pepper.
5. 5
   Carefully separate the skin of the breast from the meat, and work some olive oil, salt, and pepper into the gaps with your hand.
6. 6
   Tuck the wings up under the back of the chicken. Cross the legs, and tie it up as tightly as possible with kitchen twine.
7. 7
   Pull the hot tray out of the oven, and place the chicken on it breast side down. Return to the oven and cook for 5 minutes.
8. 8
   Turn the chicken over onto the other breast, and cook another 5 minutes.
9. 9
   Turn the chicken on it's back, and cook for 1 hour.
10. 10
    Let it rest for 5 - 10 minutes before serving.