When you roast a chicken what side goes down?

* Even Cooking: The breast meat is thinner and cooks faster than the legs and thighs. Roasting breast side up allows the heat to distribute more evenly, preventing the breast from overcooking while the legs and thighs finish.

* Juicier Breast: When the breast is on top, it receives less direct heat, which helps keep it moist and juicy.

* Crispier Skin: The skin on the breast tends to crisp up better when facing upwards.

However, there are some exceptions:

* Spatchcocked Chickens: When you spatchcock a chicken (remove the backbone and flatten it), you typically roast it breast side down to ensure even cooking of the whole bird.

* Roasting with Vegetables: You might roast the chicken breast side down if you are roasting vegetables underneath, as this will help them cook more evenly.

Ultimately, the best way to roast a chicken is to follow the instructions of your recipe, as it will often specify the desired position. But if you don't have a recipe, breast side up is generally a good rule of thumb.