Ultimate Cider-Infused Roast Chicken Recipe: Perfect for Oven, Air Fryers or BBQ

Introduction: If you love roast chicken but haven’t experimented beyond traditional recipes, get ready to be wowed by this cider-infused method. Not only does it provide a moist and fragrant meal, but it’s also stunningly simple, suitable for both oven and BBQ cooking.

Why Try Cider-Infused Chicken? Cooking your chicken in an unorthodox manner may seem strange at first, but as the cider evaporates, it steams the chicken from the inside, keeping it juicy and infusing it with the aromatic flavors of garlic and herbs. Choose from thyme or rosemary for a customized taste.

Ingredients:

  • 100ml cider (plus a 330ml can for cooking)
  • A generous bunch of fresh thyme or 6 sprigs of rosemary
  • 4 large cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced
  • 1 x 1.5kg oven-ready chicken (free-range recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 25g butter, melted (omit for BBQ)
  • 3 large onions, peeled and root intact
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 180˚C. Adjust oven shelves to accommodate the chicken upright. Using a tin opener, carefully remove the top from a 330ml aluminium beverage can. Pour cider into this can, then add garlic and herbs.
  2. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken with sea salt and coat with melted butter. Position the can so the chicken sits upright on it, using the legs for support.
  3. Roasting: Place the chicken in the preheated oven or air fryer. Roast for an hour or until juices run clear when thigh is pierced.
  4. Onions: Cut each onion into six wedges, maintaining some root to keep them intact. Halfway through roasting, add these around the chicken, tossed with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
  5. Final Steps: Once cooked, remove the chicken, let rest, then prepare the gravy by simmering the remaining juices.
  6. Air Fryer option: Follow the exactly steps of the oven receipe
  7. BBQ Option: Follow the same steps but cook the chicken on the BBQ without butter.

Chef’s Note: Feel free to substitute cider with beer, white wine, or even non-alcoholic options like unsweetened apple juice or chicken stock.

Conclusion: This cider-infused roast chicken is a game-changer for your culinary repertoire, offering a perfect blend of juiciness and flavor. Whether oven-roasted or BBQ-ed, this recipe promises a delightful meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking and savor the results!

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