Brining a whole chicken, or chicken parts, is a method that only improves the texture and flavor of the meat—and keeps it very moist during roasting.
Ingredients
- BRINE
- 6 cups water
- 3/4 cup real maple syrup
- 2 bottles (12 ounces) amber beer or apple cider
- 1/2 cup Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh sage leaves
- 1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon crushed fennel seeds
- CHICKEN
- 1 (4 pounds) Just Bare Whole Chicken
- 3 Bosc or red pears, cored, quartered lengthwise
- 2 small red onions, cut into wedges
- 1/3 cup real maple syrup
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
| Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories 404 | Calories from Fat 36 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 16g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat 4g | 20% | |
| Trans Fat 1g | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 32g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber 3g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars 23g | ||
| Protein 32g | ||
| Calcium 5% | Iron 11% |
| Vitamin C 9% | Vitamin A 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs:
Instructions
-
Mix brine ingredients in a jumbo resealable plastic bag or large soup kettle. Place whole chicken in bag; seal tightly. Place in refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.
-
Heat oven to 425°F. Remove chicken from brine; rinse off (discard brine). Place chicken on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Tie legs together with kitchen twine. Arrange pears and onions around chicken. Mix 1/3 cup maple syrup and broth; pour half of mixture over chicken, pears, and onions.
-
Place chicken in oven; roast 55 to 60 minutes or until juices run clear and internal temperature in thigh reaches 165°F. Serve chicken cut up on a platter with pears and onions; drizzle remaining maple syrup/broth mixture on top. Season with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, if desired.
Variations
Just BARE® Chicken Drumsticks may be substituted for Just BARE® Whole Chicken.
Nutritional values may change if you choose to substitute another chicken product. If substituting frozen chicken for this recipe, thaw before cooking.