Chicken Brine Recipe
This simple and effective chicken brine recipe ensures your chicken stays moist, juicy, and flavorful. Perfect for roasting, grilling, or frying, this brine works wonders on any cut of chicken.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Measuring cup
- Whisk
- Large bowl or container with lid
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 4 cups Water divided
- 1/4 cup Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup Brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Black peppercorns
- 2 Bay leaves
- 4 cloves Garlic smashed
- 1/2 Onion sliced
- 1 tsp Dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 Lemon sliced
- 1 cup Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, onion, thyme, and lemon slices to the boiling water.
- Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
- Remove the pot from heat and add the remaining 2 cups of cold water and the ice cubes to cool the brine completely.
- Once the brine is cool, transfer it to a large bowl or container.
- Submerge the chicken completely in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the brine, rinse it under cold water, and pat it dry before cooking.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add additional herbs and spices such as rosemary, sage, or whole cloves. Adjust the brine time based on the size of the chicken; smaller cuts require less time.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cupCalories: 20kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 2gFat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1500mgPotassium: 30mgFiber: 0gSugar: 0gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @mamirecipes_ or tag #mamirecipes!