Should you cover the pan to roast chicken?

Whether or not you should cover the pan while roasting chicken depends on the desired outcome:

Covering the pan:

* Pros:

* Faster cooking: Trapping steam helps the chicken cook more quickly and evenly.

* Juicier chicken: The steam helps retain moisture, leading to a moister bird.

* Crispier skin: The trapped steam can create a crispier skin, especially if you uncover the pan for the last 15 minutes.

* Cons:

* Less browning: Covering the pan prevents the skin from browning as much.

* Steaming: The chicken may become more steamed than roasted, resulting in a less flavorful outcome.

Uncovering the pan:

* Pros:

* More browning: Uncovering the pan allows the skin to brown and become crispy.

* More flavor: The chicken will be more flavorful due to the Maillard reaction, which occurs when the skin browns.

* Cons:

* Slower cooking: The chicken will take longer to cook without the steam.

* Drier chicken: The chicken may become drier without the moisture retention of a covered pan.

Recommendation:

* For juicier chicken and faster cooking: Cover the pan for the first part of the roasting time, then uncover it for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the skin to brown and crisp.

* For a more flavorful and crispy bird: Roast the chicken uncovered the entire time.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your personal preference and the desired outcome. Experiment with both methods and see what you like best!