Cast Iron Roast Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1
Place a 10 inch cast iron skillet on the center rack of a cold oven.

Step 2
Preheat oven and skillet to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Step 3
While the oven is heating, remove any giblets from the chicken, and discard or reserve for stock. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. inside and out.

Step 4
Season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Fold the tips of the wings under the neck area of the chicken, and tie the legs together with cooking twine.

Step 5
Combine avocado oil and olive oil in a small bowl and brush the outside of the chicken with the combined oils. Reserve any unused oil. Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.

Step 6
Carefully place the hot skillet on a heat-safe surface (e.g. your stove) and brush the inside of the skillet with the remaining reserved oils.

Step 7
Place the chicken on its side in the skillet, with the leg quarter coming in contact with the hot skilled. Return the skillet to the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 8
Combine sliced potatoes, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl and mix well.

Step 9
After the chicken has roasted on one side, place hot skillet on a cutting board, turn the chicken to the other side, and add potato mixture to half of the skillet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 10
Carefully pull skillet out of the oven and return to the cutting board. Lift chicken slightly and spread the potatoes over the whole skillet. Place chicken, breast side up, on top of the potatoes. Roast until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juiced run clear, 25 to 30 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Step 11
Turn off the oven and allow the chicken to rest inside the oven about 5 to 10 minutes. This will keep the skin nice and crispy.

Step 12
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, carve the chicken, and serve the chicken and potatoes from the skillet.