Instructions

1. Place the empty baking pan into the oven on the bottom rack of the oven. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit with the empty pan in the oven.

2. Remove the chicken from its packaging and check the inner cavities for the neck and giblet package. Remove these parts and either discard them or save them for another use. Sprinkle any seasonings over the chicken, if you desire.

3. Insert the instant-read thermometer deep into the thickest area of a chicken breast to enable you to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends cooking chicken until it has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Open the oven door after the oven preheats completely. Place the whole chicken into the very hot pan with the breast facing up and close the oven door.

5. Allow the chicken to roast for about 30 minutes and then check the temperature. When the thermometer registers 165F, remove the chicken from the oven.

6. Leave the chicken alone for about 10 minutes to set and then cut it up with the carving knife for serving.