Classic Roast Chicken

The Best Recipes in the World; Mark Bittman. Very simple, very good.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 3 -4  lbs whole chickens, trimmed of excess fat
• 2  tablespoons  soft butter or 2  tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
•  salt
•  black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450°; rub the chicken with the butter; season it with salt and pepper.
2. Five minutes before turning on the oven, place a cast-iron skillet on an oven rack set low in the oven.
3. When the oven is hot, about 10 minutes later, carefully place the chicken, breast side up, in the hot skillet.
4. Roast, undisturbed, for 30-40 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer inserted in the meaty party of the thigh reads 155°.
5. Remove from the oven, let rest 3-5 minutes, then carve and serve.