Preheat oven to 425°F
Pat chicken dry
Remove giblets
Season inside and outside with salt and pepper
Rub with olive oil or softened butter
Add herbs, garlic, lemon, or onion if desired
Tie legs together
Tuck wing tips under the chicken
Place chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan
Roast for 15 minutes
Reduce oven to 375°F
Roast until internal temperature reaches 165°F
Baste once or twice if desired
Remove from oven
Rest for 10–15 minutes
Carve and serve