Simple Roast Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 pound)
• 3 tablespoon butter (softened)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 lemon (halved)
• 4 fresh thyme (sprigs)

Instructions

1. 1

   Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Heat the oven to 425°F.

2. 2

   Pat the chicken dry inside and out with paper towels — this is the single most important step for crisp skin.

3. 3

   Mix the softened butter with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Rub all over the chicken, including under the breast skin if you can lift it without tearing.

4. 4

   Tuck the lemon halves and thyme sprigs into the cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine if you have it.

5. 5

   Place the chicken breast-up in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Roast 70-80 minutes, until the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F and the juices run clear.

6. 6

   Let the chicken rest 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the pan drippings spooned over.