Remove any giblets from the cavity of the chicken and discard (or use how you wish). Thoroughly dry the chicken with paper towels. Place chicken breast-side up in a large roasting pan.
Place 3 lemon quarters and the thyme sprigs in the cavity. Tie legs together with kitchen twine.
Rub salt and pepper all over the outside of the chicken. Tuck wing tips up and under the neck part of the body (as illustrated here).
Roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (inserting thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, not hitting any bone).
Remove from oven and let chicken rest for about 15 minutes.
Take the remaining lemon wedge and squeeze the juice all over the bird before carving. You can also sprinkle with some more fresh chopped thyme, if you like. Serve.