Follow these detailed steps to prepare your roast chicken:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: If using a whole chicken, remove any giblets and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the Chicken: Rub olive oil or melted butter all over the chicken. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
4. Stuff It: For extra flavor, place a halved lemon and fresh herbs inside the cavity of the chicken.
5. Arrange Vegetables: If using, chop carrots, potatoes, and onions and place them in the bottom of a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season.
6. Place the Chicken: Set the chicken on a rack above the vegetables in the roasting pan.
7. Roast: Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked at the thickest part.
8. Baste Occasionally: If you wish, baste the chicken with juices from the pan every 20 minutes for a deliciously crispy skin.
9. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
10. Carve and Serve: Use a sharp knife to carve the chicken and serve it on a platter, along with the roasted vegetables.

By following these straightforward instructions, you’ll create an amazing roast chicken that fills your home with wonderful aromas.