Jacques Pepin's Basic Roast Chicken

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
2. 2
   Sprinkle the chicken inside and out with the salt and pepper and fold the wings akimbo to position them closer to the body.
3. 3
   Place the chicken on its side in an oven-safe skillet, preferably cast-iron.
4. 4
   Place the chicken in the skillet in the oven and cook for 20 minutes, then turn the chicken over and cook another 20 minutes.
5. 5
   (By cooking the chicken on its sides, the juices stay in the breast and, since only the back is exposed, the chicken does not need constant basting.)
6. 6
   Finally, turn the chicken onto its back, baste it with the cooking juices and continue to cook 10 minutes.
7. 7
   It should be golden in color.
8. 8
   When the chicken is cooked, cut it into pieces and serve, with the drippings on the side.