Now that fall has arrived, it's time for some fall baking! For something that just seems like a special occasion meal, this is an incredibly easy recipe. It's also a bonus that it's really inexpensive. This delicious apple cider roast chicken is the perfect way to celebrate even the smallest occasion.
![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/5996895b8c3e4aa4ab99ffbe940b6c76.jpg)
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Things You'll Need
6-8 cups apple cider
3 tablespoons kosher salt, plus additional
1 bay leaf
2 cups crushed ice
1 whole (5-6 lbs) roasting chicken
2 tablespoons olive oil
![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/566e3f006e064c7681cd3866f7147611.jpg)
Step 1: Dissolve the Salt
Add 3 cups apple cider, salt, and bay leaf to a pot over medium heat. Stir until the salt dissolves, then remove from heat.
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![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/c025a0161fee40eebcc33d869dd69288.jpg)
Step 2: Cool the Brine
Add the ice, stirring until the brine has cooled. (You don't want to add a raw chicken to warm brine or it will start to cook, causing a potential issue with bacteria. Always add raw chicken to cool brine.)
![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/af61e9d5438d45e2a478c5005297b9ed.jpg)
Step 3: Bag the Chicken
Add the chicken to a brine bag, large Ziploc or a large bowl.
![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/b30dd307ad7d489395ea151773625494.jpg)
Step 4: Add the Brine
Pour the brine over the chicken and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
Tip
If you're worried about the bag leaking, add the bagged chicken to a large pot or roasting pan while in the refrigerator.
![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/cb86644188844cefaad2da8c1177dce7.jpg)
Step 5: Remove from Brine
Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove the chicken from brine, rinse and add to a rack in a roasting pan.
![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/33872b83294643d3939220576578e062.jpg)
Step 6: Oil and salt the chicken
Brush the chicken with olive oil, sprinkle with salt.
![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/c42bbb0e7f5d4b12807639458f7e69c4.jpg)
Step 7: Cider the pan
Add 3 cups of cider to the bottom of the pan.
![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/a605627eb2494d1487ea59c7c033a6f7.jpg)
Step 8: Foil
Cover with foil, making sure to tent the foil over the chicken so that the foil does not touch the chicken. Bake for 20 minutes.
![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/9035feb0777740e18d347d6b00e52bca.jpg)
Step 9: Remove foil
Remove the foil and continue to bake until the chicken is cooked through (to 165°F) and is golden brown, about an additional 20-35 minutes. If the chicken starts to brown too much before cooking through, add the foil back over the chicken. Enjoy!
![Apple Cider Roast Chicken Recipe](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/cme-data/9/21/bac8bbb7c61c4ab5a79867d664bf76ac.jpg)