whole chicken (3.5 lbs or so worked for us)
pre-heat iron skillet in oven, at 500 F (!)
rub chicken with olive oil; sprinkle with salt & pepper
CAREFULLY remove hot skillet from oven
put chicken on skillet breast-side up in pan
cook 15 minutes at 500 F
reduce to 350 F until done (another 30 min or so)
use oven thermometer to check if done (thigh about 160 F)
let chicken sit for at least 5 minutes before carving