Remove the chicken from fridge 1 hour before cooking and let it come to room temperature.
Preheat oven to 425F.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towel and liberally season the inside and outside with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with 1 lemon (cut in quarters), thyme, and garlic. Truss the bird so that the legs seal the cavity.
Transfer the chicken to an oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven and cook for 50 minutes or until the thickest part of the thigh registers between 165F and 175F, depending on your preference. (Personally, I like the dark meat to register 185F).
With the bird still in the skillet, add 2-4 sprigs of fresh thyme and the juice of 1/2 lemon to the rendered chicken juices. Using a large spoon or turkey baster, continuously baste the bird with the juices. Switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken until the skin is crispy, 2 to 3 minutes.
Transfer to a cutting board and let the chicken rest 10 minutes before carving.