Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the giblets from inside the chicken and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, and brown sugar (if using). Mix until it forms a smooth paste.
Step 3: Gently loosen the skin of the chicken and rub a generous amount of the butter mixture under the skin and all over the chicken.
Step 4: Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through cooking if desired.
Step 6: Once done, remove from the oven and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
