I've found that the best roasted chicken recipe is the simplest. This is my tried and true recipe. It always turns out perfectly.
C.'s Perfect "Oven Deep Fried" Chicken.
1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
2. Remove the giblet pack from the cavity and split the chicken down the backbone. Rinse and pat dry with paper towel, and spread the bird flat, skin side up, on a foil-lined rolled-edged baking sheet.
3. Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning salt. I use Lawry's. I do suggest actually using a bit of salt here even if you usually use a no-salt seasoning.
4. Roast 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce heat to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C), and continue roasting 15 minutes. Baste chicken with pan drippings, reduce heat to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C), and continue roasting 30 minutes, to an internal temperature of 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Let stand 20 minutes before serving.
That's it. It's the best chicken. My family begs for it, and I often roast two at a time and use the second for leftovers, salads, and soup. :-) For about 20 minutes you'll think you're going to burn the house down. Don't worry, it's supposed to do that. :-)