Preheat oven to 425°F
Pat the whole chicken dry
Remove giblets from the cavity
Place chicken in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet
Rub chicken with olive oil or melted butter
Season inside and outside with salt and black pepper
Add garlic, lemon, onion, and herbs if desired
Tie the legs together with kitchen twine
Tuck wing tips under the chicken
Roast for 15 minutes
Reduce oven temperature to 375°F
Continue roasting until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F
Baste once or twice during cooking if desired
Let chicken rest for 15 to 20 minutes
Carve and serve