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Chicken Brine Recipe

Transform your chicken into impossibly juicy and flavorful meat with this simple chicken brine recipe.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 46 pound whole chicken or 6-8 chicken pieces
Course: Preparation, Technique
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Basic Brine
  • 8 cups cold water
  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 garlic cloves smashed
Optional Flavor Boosters
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2-3 sprigs rosemary

Equipment

  • Large pot or container (at least 6 quarts)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk or spoon for stirring
  • Kitchen scale (optional but helpful)
  • Meat thermometer (for cooking the brined chicken)
  • Paper towels or clean kitchen towels
  • Refrigerator space

Method
 

  1. Pour 8 cups of cold water into a large pot or container.
  2. Sprinkle in the kosher salt and sugar, then stir vigorously for about one minute until dissolved.
  3. Add cracked peppercorns and bay leaves to the brine.
  4. Roughly chop the thyme sprigs and add them along with the smashed garlic.
  5. If using, add apple cider vinegar, honey, red pepper flakes, or rosemary, and stir well.
  6. Mix the brine thoroughly for another minute to ensure everything is dissolved.
  7. Pat your chicken dry with paper towels.
  8. Submerge the chicken in the brine, ensuring every part is underneath the liquid.
  9. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.
  10. After brining, remove the chicken, rinse under cool water for about 30 seconds, and pat dry.

Notes

Serve brined chicken using your favorite cooking method for delicious results.