How to roast a chicken

Chicken is one of those staples of the family meal. Chicken can be prepared in so many ways and the leftovers can be used in just as many imaginative recipes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 medium onion or shallot
• 1 apple or pear or orange

1. First, remove anything that may be inside the cavity of the chicken.
2. Next, wash the chicken inside and out and put it in a large bowl or pot of salted water. Let the chicken soak for at least an hour.
3. Then, rinse and pat dry the chicken well inside and out.
4. Now, cut up the onions or shallots and tree fruit you have on hand. I've even used dried prunes, which makes a nice glaze as the chicken cooks. Place the cut up pieces of onions or shallots and fruit inside the cavity.
5. Sprinkle the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Even that Adobo poultry seasoning works in this regard.
6. Place in the oven at 350-375 degrees and depending on the size, cook for about an hour, until the liquid inside runs clear and the legs can be easily cut off. You can certainly baste it during the cooking or turn it. I usually start with the chicken breast side down and turn it about halfway thru the cooking time.

Tips & Warnings

• I remember Julia Child saying the secret to crispy skin was to start with a clean, dry chicken, so dry the chicken well before you put it in the oven.
• Make sure to wash your hands and any surfaces you touch while/during handling and cooking poultry. Using a little bleach with warm water to clean up your hands and the chopping and cooking surfaces is a good idea.