Knowing how to roast a chicken gives you control over the seasonings — especially the amount of salt. Buying a roast chicken from the supermarket is a timesaver, but if you're watching your salt intake, make your own. You can easily roast your own poultry to create a moist and tasty dish.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
![Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/88743.image0.jpg)
This high temperature cooks the poultry while keeping it moist.
Remove the packaged giblets (the neck, heart, gizzard, and liver) inside the chicken’s cavity.
![Remove the packaged giblets (the neck, heart, gizzard, and liver) inside the chicken’s cavity.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/88745.image2.jpg)
Save the giblets for gravy, among other uses.
Rinse the bird thoroughly under cold running water.
![Rinse the bird thoroughly under cold running water.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/88747.image4.jpg)
Rinse it both inside and out.
Pat the skin dry with paper towels.
![Pat the skin dry with paper towels.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/88749.image6.jpg)
You can season the bird and rub it with oil after you dry it.
If you want your bird to hold its shape perfectly while roasting, you can truss it.
![If you want your bird to hold its shape perfectly while roasting, you can truss it.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/88751.image8.jpg)
You can do without this step if you’re in a hurry.
Place the chicken, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow metal roasting pan.
![Place the chicken, breast side up, on a rack in a shallow metal roasting pan.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/88753.image10.jpg)
Line the pan with aluminum foil, first for easy cleanup.
Place the chicken in the oven and roast for 45 minutes.
![Place the chicken in the oven and roast for 45 minutes.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/88755.image12.jpg)
When cooked, the chicken should be golden brown all over, and no pink or red juice should flow when you pierce the joint between the thigh and leg with a knife. The juice should be clear.
Transfer the chicken to a carving board or serving platter, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
![Transfer the chicken to a carving board or serving platter, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/88757.image14.jpg)
You can make gravy out of the juices in the pan, if you want.
Untruss the chicken (if necessary).
![Untruss the chicken (if necessary).](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/88759.image16.jpg)
Cut the string with a sharp knife or kitchen shears.
Carve the chicken into serving pieces.
![Carve the chicken into serving pieces.](https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/88761.image18.jpg)
Your roasted chicken is ready to eat!