The art of cooking isn’t merely about following recipes; it’s about crafting memorable experiences. Cider Brined Roast Chicken epitomizes this, where a seemingly ordinary dish becomes extraordinary through a thoughtful combination of ingredients and techniques.
Apple Cider: The Heart of the Brine
Apple cider, the key element in this enchanting recipe, offers a world of versatility within its humble liquid. Its role in Cider Brined Roast Chicken is paramount, as it infuses the poultry with a subtle sweetness and a delicate tartness that’s impossible to replicate.
Zipp Zapp Zopp Seasoning: A Flavorful Alchemy
Zipp Zapp Zopp seasoning, with its enchanting blend of herbs and spices, brings an irresistible flavor profile to our roast chicken. This blend, often a well-guarded secret, infuses the meat with layers of complexity, adding an unexpected twist to the dish.
Wacky Pepper: A Twist of Spice
Wacky Pepper, the enigmatic spice that often takes the backseat, is the unsung hero of this recipe. With its unusual blend of peppery notes and subtle heat, Wacky Pepper adds intrigue to the dish, making each bite an adventure in taste.
Maple Syrup Infused Balsamic Vinegar: A Sweet & Tangy Elixir
The final touch, the Maple Syrup Infused Balsamic Vinegar, is the sweet and tangy elixir that ties all the elements of this dish together. The infusion of maple syrup with balsamic vinegar creates a harmonious balance that enhances the overall flavor profile.
This elixir adds a touch of sweetness while balancing the dish’s acidity. It complements the apple cider’s natural tartness, and the result is a roast chicken that’s perfectly seasoned, tender, and tantalizing to the senses.
Cider Brined Roast Chicken is more than a recipe; it’s a symphony of flavors and a testament to the art of culinary creativity. The interplay between apple cider, Zipp Zapp Zopp seasoning, Wacky Pepper, and Maple Syrup Infused Balsamic Vinegar is a masterpiece in itself. As you prepare to embark on this culinary journey, be ready to savor a roast chicken like no other, where each ingredient plays a unique role in crafting an extraordinary dining experience.
Cider Brined Roast Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
2 L Water
6 ½ Cups Apple Cider, divided
1 – 8 oz Pack of Chunky Clucker Brine
1 qt Ice Water
6–7 lb Roaster Chicken
½ Cup Butter, softened
2 TBS Zipp Zapp Zopp, divided
1 Orange
1 tsp Wacky Pepper, divided
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 Onion
3 Gala Apples
3 Garlic Cloves or 1 TBS Garlic, minced
2 TBS Maple Syrup Infused Balsamic Vinegar
⅓ Cup Flour
Extra Chicken Broth or Apple Cider
Instructions
Brine the chicken 12 to 24 hours before you intend to roast it.
- To prepare the brine, add 2 L of water, 4 cups of apple cider, Chunky Clucker brine to a large pot.
- Add 1 tablespoon Zipp Zapp Zopp and Wacky Pepper to the brine. Heat the brine and boil for 5 to 10 minutes to extract flavors from the seasonings.
- Add 1 Qt of ice water to a large plastic bin or steel pot.
- Pour the brine mixture into the ice water to cool. Make sure temp of the is about room temperature, if not add more ice.
- Add the chicken into the cooled brine with the breast side down. Press down to submerge. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
An hour before roasting, remove the chicken from the brine.
- Discard the brine. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a rack. Leave to air dry at room temperature for 1 hour. The skin should be slightly tacky. This will lead to a crispier skin when roasted.
Prepare the compound butter.
- Add the softened butter to a small bowl.
- Add remaining Zipp Zapp Zopp to the butter.
- Zest half the rind of the orange into the butter.
- Add ½ tsp kosher salt and ¼ tsp Wacky pepper.
- Mix together well with a spatula.
- Measure out 2 tablespoons of the compound butter and set aside.
Prepare the chicken for roasting.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare the roasting pan.
- Cut the onion into thick slices. Cut the orange in half. Slice one half and set the other half aside. Peel the garlic cloves.
- Drizzle the olive oil into a large roasting pan.
- Scatter the onion slices, orange slices, and garlic cloves. Top with a rack. Place the chicken on top of the rack. Stuff the remaining half orange into the cavity of the chicken.
- Rub the remaining compound butter over the whole chicken. Push some of the butter under the skin of the breasts. Tuck the wing tips under the chicken. Pull the legs together and use twine to tie them tightly together.
- Add 1 cup of apple cider to the roasting pan and place in the oven. Roast uncovered for 1 hour. Check the chicken to make sure it isn’t getting too dark in places. If it begins to brown unevenly, partially cover it with foil to slow down the browning.
- Cut the apples in half. Melt 1 tablespoon of the remaining compound butter in a small bowl. After 1 hour of roasting, remove the chicken from the oven. Nestle the apples around the chicken with the cut side up. Brush the melted compound butter over the apples.
- Continue roasting for another 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the reduced cider and maple glaze. Place the remaining 1 ½ cups apple cider in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and let boil for 7 to 10 minutes until the cider has reduced by half.
- Add the maple syrup vinegar to the reduced cider and whisk together. Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of compound butter. Bring the glaze to a boil and let boil for another couple of minutes until slightly reduced.
- After 1 ½ to 1 ¾ hours of roasting, take the chicken out and check the temperature with an instant read thermometer. Check at the thick part of the breast near the leg. Don’t touch the bone while taking the temperature or it may result in an inaccurate reading. When the chicken reaches around 140˚F it is time to start glazing.
- Remove any foil covering the top of the chicken. Brush the bird generously with the glaze. Roast for another 10 minutes and then repeat with the remaining glaze. Continue roasting until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 deg F and the juices from the cavity run clear.
- Transfer the cooked apples and chicken to a platter and tent loosely with foil while preparing the pan gravy. Strain the juices into a measuring cup. Spoon the fat from the top of the juices back into the roasting pan. You need approximately ¼ cup of fat. Add some extra butter if there isn’t enough fat.
- Place the roasting pan back on the stove top. Heat the pan over medium high heat. Add the flour to the pan and whisk into the fat to make a roux. Measure the remaining pan juices, there should be about 3 cups. If necessary, add a bit of chicken broth or cider to reach 3 cups.
- Begin adding the broth in batches to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once all the broth has been added bring the pan gravy to a simmer. Add ½ tsp kosher salt and ¼ tsp pepper then taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Strain the gravy into a gravy boat.
- To serve, carve the chicken into pieces. Cut the legs off each side of the chicken and then split the drumstick from the thigh. Cut the wings off. Cut each breast off the breastbone. Slice each breast into 3 or 4 slices. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Arrange the apples around the edge of the chicken. Serve with the pan gravy and enjoy!
