Cider Hen with Two Apples Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon of smoked paprika
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 apples, cored and sliced
• 1 cup of apple cider
• 1/4 cup of honey

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Remove giblets and excess fat from the chicken cavity and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and minced garlic.
4. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken, including the inside of the cavity.
5. Place the chicken into a roasting pan, breast side up.
6. Arrange sliced apples around the chicken.
7. In another small bowl, whisk together apple cider and honey. Pour the mixture over the chicken and apples.
8. Bake in the oven for 60-75 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken thigh reaches 165°F (75°C).
9. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before carving.
10. Serve chicken with the caramelized apples and pan drippings drizzled over.

Verdict:

This Cider Hen with Two Apples recipe is deliciously sweet and savory with a crispy skin and tender meat. The chicken is moist from being roasted with juicy apple slices and a perfect hint of smoked paprika. The apple cider and honey sauce create a sticky, caramelized glaze that brings out the apple flavor of the dish.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes or rice. Don’t forget to serve the pan drippings over the chicken for a succulent twist. Enjoy!