Description
Chicken Brine Recipe
Ingredients
Scale
- Core Ingredients:
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- ½ cup sugar or honey
- Flavor Enhancers:
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large pot, mix 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of kosher salt, and ½ cup of sugar or honey.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
- Add Flavor Enhancers:
- Stir in rosemary, thyme, garlic, onion, and lemon slices.
- Allow the brine to simmer for 5 minutes to release flavors.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Submerge the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in a large container and pour the cooled brine over it, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
- Weigh it down if necessary, cover, and refrigerate.
Brining Times
- Whole Chicken: 12-24 hours
- Chicken Breasts: 4-6 hours
- Thighs/Legs: 6-8 hours
- Cook as Desired:
- After brining, rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry. Cook using your preferred method (roasting, grilling, or frying).
Notes
- Always discard brine after use to avoid contamination.
- Adjust the brine recipe for smaller or larger chickens accordingly