Perfect Roast Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (about 3-5 lbs)

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Prepare the Chicken: Remove the giblets from the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels inside and out to ensure the skin crisps up in the oven. Truss the chicken using butcher’s twine.

Season the Chicken: Generously sprinkle the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika all over the chicken, including inside the cavity.

Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or on a rack in a baking dish. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the juices run clear and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with its juices before resting.

Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Carve and Serve: Carve the chicken and serve with your choice of sides.