Chicken Brine Recipe

For Juicy Chicken

I first discovered brining while watching a cooking show many years ago. The host raved about how tender and flavorful the meat was, and when they carved into the chicken, you could see how incredibly juicy and succulent it was.

Yeast Package
Yeast Package
Flour Bowl
Flour Bowl
Thermometer
Thermometer

When found that a chicken brine recipe is made from a few simple ingredients (water and salt) that were already in my pantry, I couldn’t believe it. I don’t know why people don’t talk about chicken brine more.

Yeast Package
Yeast Package
Flour Bowl
Flour Bowl
Thermometer
Thermometer

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Easy – Make the chicken brine recipe, let it cool and soak your chicken for 8-24 hours before roasting. Inexpensive – This gives process gives you gourmet-quality chicken using inexpensive ingredients you already have on hand.   Flavorful – This chicken truly is delectable!

INGREDIENT NOTES

Kosher Salt – Kosher salt is NOT the same as table salt. Make sure you purchase Kosher salt, as they are not interchangable. Using table salt could result in an overly salty chicken. Sugar – This helps add flavor and give you nicely browned skin. I use white sugar, but you can use brown sugar instead. Fresh Herbs – Thyme, parsley and bay leaves are a great combination.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Smash garlic with the side of a knife before adding it to the brine. This will help the flavors to permeate the liquid.   No fresh herbs? You can use dried herbs. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs in place of every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.

VARIATIONS

Add Citrus – Slices of oranges or lemons can add a wonderful brightness to the flavor of the chicken. Add Other Herbs – Sage and rosemary make a lovely addition to the chicken brine recipe.

BUDGET FRIENDLY TIPS

Toss Leftover Herbs In The Freezer – If you have leftover herbs from other recipes, you can save them by placing them in a bag in the freezer. Label the bag with its contents and toss them into the brine as directed. Use Dried Herbs – If you have dried herbs in your pantry, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.