Fastest Roast Chicken

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 450F.
2. 2
   Five minutes after turning on the oven, put a cast-iron or other heavy, ovenproof skillet on a rack set low in the oven.
3. 3
   (Alternatively, put the skillet over high heat about 3 minutes before the oven is hot.)
4. 4
   Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5
   When the oven is hot, about 10 minutes later, carefully put the chicken, breast side up, in the hot skillet.
6. 6
   Roast, undisturbed, for 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the meaty part of the thigh registers 155F.
7. 7
   Remove from the oven, let rest a minute or two, then carve and serve.
8. 8
   To make a quick gravy while the chicken is resting: Pour out most of the fat, put the skillet over high heat, and add about a cup of water, wine, or stock.
9. 9
   Cook, stirring and scraping, until just about 1/2 cup of liquid is left.
10. 10
    Season with salt and pepper and, if youre feeling extravagant, a tablespoon or two of butter.
11. 11
    Rub the chicken with olive oil and/or any fresh herbs you like about halfway through the cookingespecially good is a bit of tarragon or a mixture of chopped rosemary and garlic.