Description
Learn how to brine chicken with this foolproof method that guarantees juicy, tender, and flavorful results every time. This basic chicken brine recipe uses simple ingredients to transform ordinary chicken into restaurant-quality poultry. Perfect for whole chickens, breasts, thighs, and wings.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon cold water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
- 3–4 lbs chicken (whole chicken, breasts, thighs, or wings)
Instructions
- Prepare the brine: In a large non-reactive container, dissolve kosher salt and sugar in cold water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add aromatics: Add bay leaves, smashed garlic, fresh thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, and peppercorns to the brine solution.
- Submerge chicken: Place chicken in the brine, ensuring it’s completely covered. If needed, place a plate on top to keep chicken submerged.
- Refrigerate: Cover container and refrigerate for appropriate time: whole chicken (8-12 hours), breasts (2-4 hours), thighs (4-6 hours), wings (1-2 hours).
- Remove and rinse: Remove chicken from brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Rest before cooking: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for best results.
- Cook as desired: Roast, grill, or cook using your preferred method. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Notes
Timing Guidelines: Never over-brine as it can make chicken too salty. Whole chickens: 8-12 hours, chicken breasts: 2-4 hours maximum, thighs: 4-6 hours, wings: 1-2 hours.
Container Tips: Use glass, food-grade plastic, or stainless steel containers. Avoid aluminum or copper which can react with the salt.
Storage: Always keep brining chicken refrigerated at 34-40°F (1-4°C) for food safety.
Scaling: For smaller batches, use 1/4 cup salt per quart of water. For larger batches, maintain the 1 cup salt per gallon ratio.
Flavor Variations: Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, citrus peels, or spices like coriander seeds for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Brining
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 3.6
- Saturated Fat: 1.0
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 31
- Cholesterol: 85
Keywords: how to brine chicken, chicken brine recipe, brined chicken, wet brine, chicken brining technique, juicy chicken, tender chicken, restaurant-quality chicken