Cider Brined Roast Chicken

Name: Cider Brined Roast Chicken
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 L water; 6 ½ cups apple cider (divided); 1 cup kosher salt* (plus extra); ½ cup brown sugar; 12 -14 sprigs fresh thyme (divided); 1 tbsp peppercorns; 1 L ice water; 6-7 lb roaster chicken; ½ cup butter (softened); 3 sprigs fresh sage (divided); 1 orange; ½ tsp pepper (divided); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion; 3 garlic cloves; 3 Gala apples; 2 tbsp maple syrup; ⅓ cup flour; extra chicken broth or apple cider