Apple and Sage-Roasted Chicken with Pan Juices

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Juicy pan-roasted chicken will make even the most basic meal mouthwatering and delicious.

SERVINGS
6

INGREDIENTS
One 4-pound roasting chicken
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 medium apples, cored and quartered
3 small onions
2 ribs celery (2/3 cup)
2 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
1/8 teaspoon cracked white pepper
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup fruity white wine, such as Riesling
3/4 cup fresh apple cider

PREPARATION
1. Preheat the oven to 375° F.

2. Rub the inside of the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Chop 1 apple, 1 onion, and the celery into 2-inch pieces. Toss the apple mixture with the garlic and 1 tablespoon sage, and place it all in the chicken cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine, and tuck the wings securely under. Mix the butter and mustard to a smooth paste and rub over the chicken skin and sprinkle with the remaining salt and white pepper. Place the bird in a medium roasting pan. Roast in the lower third of the oven for 30 minutes. Brush any remaining mustard-butter over the bird and continue to roast for 1 1/4 more hours. Baste the chicken with the pan drippings, and sprinkle with remaining sage and the thyme. Scatter the remaining apples and onions around the bird, tossing lightly to coat with the drippings. Add the white wine, and roast the chicken 20 minutes. Baste the bird, and toss the apples and onions again for even browning. Continue to roast until bird juices run clear and the meat between the leg and thigh reaches 160° F. Remove from the oven and transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Arrange the apples and onions around the chicken.

3. Prepare the jus: Tip the roasting pan so the liquid pools to one end, and use a large spoon to remove any excess fat from the pan juices. Add apple cider and place the pan over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan, and then pour the jus over the chicken, apples, and onions. Serve warm.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
(based on individual servings)
Calories: 511
Total Fat: 17.6 g
Cholesterol: 232 mg
Sodium: 547 mg
Carbohydrates: 18.7 g
Fiber: 2.29 g
Protein: 65.7 g

SERVING SUGGESTION

Enjoy with Savory Garlic Mushroom Wild Rice and Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

Originally published in Country Living.

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