WHOLE CHICKEN IN THE OVEN

**Ingredients:**
– 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
– 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for seasoning

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Prep the Chicken:**
– Remove any giblets or neck from the cavity of the chicken.
– Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
– Tie the legs together with kitchen twine if desired for more even cooking.

3. **Season the Chicken:**
– Rub the chicken with olive oil or melted butter. This helps to get a crispy skin.
– Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
– Optionally, you can add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for extra flavor.

4. **Truss the Chicken (Optional):**
– Trussing is the process of tying the chicken with kitchen twine to help it cook more evenly. Cross the legs and tie them together.

5. **Place in the Roasting Pan:**
– Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up.

6. **Roast the Chicken:**
– Put the roasting pan in the preheated oven.
– Cooking time will vary depending on the weight of the chicken. As a general guideline, it’s about 20 minutes per pound (450 grams). So for a 4.5-pound chicken, that’s around 90 minutes.

7. **Check for Doneness:**
– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the thigh should register at least 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked.

8. **Rest the Chicken:**
– Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

9. **Carve and Serve:**
– Carve the chicken into pieces and serve. You can pair it with your favorite side dishes.

by learn-withme