Description

This recipe makes a perfectly seasoned, perfectly moist, perfectly crisp-skinned and golden bird that requires no basting or fussing.

Ingredients

• 1 4-pound chicken
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or half as much table salt)
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• 2 or 3 fresh herb sprigs (marjoram, thyme, and rosemary are all good choices)
• 1 thick slice of lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, sliced thick
• Other vegetables (carrot or celery sticks, fennel slices), optional
• 1 cup water

Steps

1. 1 Heat the oven to 450.
2. 2 Rinse the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels, then rub it all over with the butter. Salt it inside and out, then pop the garlic, herbs, and lemon into its cavity.
3. 3 Now spread the olive oil in a baking dish, and arrange the onions and any other vegetables you like over the bottom of the dish.