Description
Discover the ultimate chicken brine recipe that guarantees juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken every time. This simple brine works wonders for roasting, grilling, smoking, or frying chicken. By using basic pantry ingredients, you can transform ordinary chicken into a savory delight that impresses at any meal.
Ingredients
- Water: 4 cups
- Kosher Salt: 1/3 cup
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Garlic Cloves: 4, smashed
- Black Peppercorns: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon Zest (optional): From 1 lemon
- Fresh Herbs (optional): 2-3 sprigs of thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the Brine Base: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, salt, sugar, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
- Cool the Brine: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the remaining 2 cups of cold water to bring the brine to room temperature. You can add ice cubes if needed to speed up the cooling process.
- Submerge the Chicken: Place the chicken (whole or pieces) in a large resealable bag or a non-reactive container. Pour the cooled brine over the chicken, ensuring it is fully submerged. If necessary, use a heavy plate to weigh down the chicken.
- Refrigerate: Seal the container or bag and refrigerate. Brine chicken breasts for 1-2 hours, or brine a whole chicken for 12-24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Rinse and Dry: Once brining is complete, remove the chicken from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking.
Notes
- Brining Time: Avoid over-brining the chicken, as it can become overly salty or mushy. Stick to the recommended times—1-2 hours for pieces, 12-24 hours for a whole bird.
- Brine Temperature: Always ensure the brine is completely cooled before adding the chicken to prevent bacterial growth.
- Flavor Additions: Feel free to customize the brine with your favorite herbs, spices, or citrus for added flavor. Adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or citrus zest can enhance the overall taste.
- Cooking Tips: After brining, let the chicken sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps to dry the skin, ensuring it crisps up nicely during cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (to dissolve salt and sugar)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 85mg