Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. The high heat will help in creating a crispy skin.
Make sure the chicken is thoroughly thawed. If you have a fresh chicken, that's ideal, but ensure you remove any neck and giblet bags from the cavity.
Once cleaned, sprinkle the cavity of the chicken with salt and black pepper, using half a teaspoon of each. This will infuse flavor into the meat from the inside.
Next, rub or brush the outside of the chicken generously with olive oil. This helps the skin get nice and crispy.
Sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper over the outside of the chicken, making sure to cover all areas for even seasoning. If you prefer, tie the legs with a kitchen string for a neater presentation.
Place the chicken breast side up in a roasting pan. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and continue to cook for about one hour. You want to ensure that the internal temperature of the thighs reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal doneness.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest in the roasting pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
Finally, place the chicken on a serving platter and drizzle it with the broth from the roasting pan. This adds an extra layer of flavor that everyone will love!
