Description
A succulent roast chicken brined in apple cider, herbs, and spices for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 L water
- 6 ½ cups apple cider (divided)
- 1 cup kosher salt (plus extra)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 12 –14 sprigs fresh thyme (divided)
- 1 tbsp peppercorns
- 1 L ice water
- 6–7 lb roaster chicken
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 3 sprigs fresh sage (divided)
- 1 orange
- ½ tsp pepper (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 3 Gala apples
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- â…“ cup flour
- Extra chicken broth or apple cider (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine 2 liters of water, 4 cups of apple cider, 1 cup of kosher salt, and the brown sugar. Heat gently until dissolved, then add thyme and peppercorns.
- Cool the brine by adding 1 liter of ice water. Submerge the chicken in the cooled brine and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
- After brining, remove the chicken and let it air dry for 1 hour.
- Mix softened butter with chopped thyme, sage, and orange zest.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Drizzle olive oil in the roasting pan, and layer onions, orange slices, garlic cloves, and remaining herbs.
- Rub the compound butter over the chicken, tie the legs, and place half of the orange in the cavity for moisture.
- Pour 1 cup of apple cider into the pan and roast the chicken for about 60 minutes.
- Add the halved Gala apples and continue roasting for an additional 30 to 45 minutes.
- Prepare the maple glaze by reducing additional apple cider with maple syrup and butter, then brush it over the chicken.
- Once done, use pan drippings to make gravy by adding flour and broth or cider.
- Carve the chicken and serve with roasted apples and gravy.
Notes
For personalized flavor, add spices like paprika or swap apples for your favorite variety.
- Prep Time: 720 minutes
- Cook Time: 105 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg