Apple Cider Roasted Chicken

why make this recipe

Apple Cider Roasted Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the warmth of fall flavors and the comfort of a home-cooked meal. This recipe makes use of fresh herbs, sweet apples, and the unique taste of apple cider, giving the chicken a sweet and savory flavor that is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner. It’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests!

how to make Apple Cider Roasted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 4-5 lb whole chicken, giblets removed, rinsed, trussed
• 1/4 cup apple cider
• 8 thin-medium carrots, peeled
• 1 large red apple, Fuji or Honeycrisp, cored, halved and quartered
• 1 large green apple, Granny Smith, cored, halved, and quartered
• 8 ounces mission figs, halved
• Couple bunches of purple grapes
• 1 tablespoon coarse salt
• 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 bunch fresh sage, thyme, rosemary for garnish

Directions:

1. Make the compound butter: In a standing mixer on high speed, whisk together the softened butter, sage, rosemary, orange zest, and apple cider until combined. It’s okay if some of the cider does not mix in completely!

2. Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Grease a 9X13 roasting pan or casserole dish.

3. Place half of the apple pieces and the peeled carrots at the bottom of the roasting pan.

4. Rub the chicken thoroughly with half of the compound butter. Season evenly with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the remaining apple pieces, half of the figs, and a few leaves of the fresh herbs.

5. Place the chicken on top of the carrots and apples in the pan. Scatter the remaining figs and grapes around the chicken.

6. Pour the apple cider over the chicken, letting it run to the bottom of the pan.

7. Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Baste the chicken with the liquid in the pan every 20 to 30 minutes.

8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven, cover with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Spread the remaining compound butter on top and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve warm and enjoy the amazing aromas!

how to serve Apple Cider Roasted Chicken

Serve Apple Cider Roasted Chicken warm right out of the oven. You can pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad to make your meal complete. Plate it beautifully and add garnishes like more fresh herbs for an inviting look.

how to store Apple Cider Roasted Chicken

If you have leftovers, allow the chicken to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.

tips to make Apple Cider Roasted Chicken

• Make the compound butter ahead of time for a deeper flavor.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as potatoes or sweet potatoes to the roasting pan for additional sides.
• Keep an eye on the chicken while it roasts to ensure it doesn’t brown too much; you can cover it loosely with foil if needed.

variation

You can experiment with different fruits, such as pears or peaches. Using different herbs like thyme or tarragon can also add a unique flavor twist to the dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of chicken?
A: Yes, you can use a smaller chicken or even chicken parts, but cooking times will vary.

Q: What should I do if I don’t have fresh herbs?
A: You can use dried herbs. The general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the compound butter and season the chicken the day before, then refrigerate it. Roast the chicken on the day you wish to serve it for the best texture.

Apple Cider Roasted Chicken

This recipe features tender chicken roasted with aromatic apple cider, herbs, and apples for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any season.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3-4 lb Whole chicken
• 2 cups Apple cider
• 2 Yellow onions quartered
• 2 Apples (e.g., Gala or Honeycrisp) quartered
• 2 sprigs Fresh rosemary
• 4 sprigs Fresh thyme
• 4 Garlic cloves smashed
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups/spoons

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large roasting pan, combine the quartered onions, apples, rosemary, thyme, and smashed garlic; drizzle with olive oil.

Roasting

1. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan, then pour apple cider around the chicken.
2. Roast for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy, basting occasionally.

Serving

1. Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving; serve with roasted apples, onions, and pan sauce.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken very dry before seasoning. You can also add other root vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the roasting pan.