The Easiest Way to Cook a Whole Chicken

It may be grilling season, but more often than not I am tied up with other projects and just can’t babysit the grill.  Baking your chicken in the oven is the perfect solution to this problem.  It’s easy, consistent, and allows you the time do complete other tasks.  

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450°. You want high heat for this! Some smoking is normal, especially if your oven isn’t as clean as the day you bought it (guilty).

Rinse your chicken and pat dry with paper towels. You want your chicken dry dry dry. 

Salt all sides liberally. I prefer coarse, but any salt will work in a pinch, just don’t skimp.  The salt will help the skin crisp up nicely, allowing the meat to stay juicy inside.

Place breast up in a cast iron skillet and place into the oven for about 50 minutes (for a 4lb chicken) or until the chicken thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°.