Roast Chicken

Directions

1. 1
   Timing: 1 hour and 10 to 20 minutes, at 425F for 15 minutes and then at 350F, to internal temperature of 170F.
2. 2
   See Notes below.
3. 3
   Before roasting, wash the chicken rapidly in hot water and dry thoroughly.
4. 4
   For ease in carving, cut out the wishbone.
5. 5
   Season inside the cavity with salt and pepper and, if you wish, a thinly sliced lemon, a small onion, and a handful of celery leaves.
6. 6
   Salt the chicken lightly all over and rub with soft butter.
7. 7
   Tie drumstick ends together, and set breast up in an oiled V-shaped rack (or fold wings akimbo and set on an oiled flat rack).
8. 8
   After its 15-minute browning in the hot oven, reduce heat to 350F, baste rapidly with accumulated pan juices, and continue, basting rapidly every 8 to 10 minutes.
9. 9
   After 1/2 hour, strew 1/2 cup each of chopped carrots and onions into the pan, basting them.