High-Heat Roast Chicken

Method

I left a note on one step.

1. 1

   24 hours before: salt the chicken inside and out. Dry-brine uncovered in the fridge.This is the single most important step. If you skip it, everything else is wasted.

2. 2

   Day of: pull from the fridge 1 hour before. Pat dry again. Pepper it. Stuff with halved lemon and herbs.

3. 3

   Oven to 450°F. Cast iron pan. Chicken breast-up.Timer: 60 min

4. 4

   Roast 50–60 minutes. 165°F at the thigh.

5. 5

   Rest 15 minutes minimum. Carve. Spoon pan juices over.Timer: 15 min