2 to 3 lb. chicken
butter
1 sm. onion
1/4 tsp. thyme
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Rub outside of chicken with butter. Salt and pepper outside of chicken. Rub inside with butter and sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon thyme. Place one small onion in cavity. Let stand for 15 minutes. Put water in bottom of roasting pan. Place chicken on rack. Put chicken in oven, reducing heat to 450 degrees. Cook for 20 minutes. Turn chicken over and cook another 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees for remainder of time, roasting approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.