Perfectly Simple Roasted Chicken

Roast Chicken

1 small young roasting chicken
1 lemon, halved
black pepper, ground
salt, finely ground
basil, powdered
garlic powder

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Cut the chicken down one side of the spine and press it flat into a roasting pan with the skin side up.   Squeeze each lemon half over half of the chicken.  Sprinkle the spices lightly (and evenly) over the exposed skin. Place in the oven for 45 minutes.   Remove chicken from the oven and brush the skin with the pan juices.  Raise the temperature to 425 degrees and roast until golden brown and crisp (10-20 minutes).

Serve with garlic smashed potatoes and honey roasted carrots.