Best 3 Perfect Chicken Brine Recipes

**Discover the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Chicken with Our Perfect Chicken Brine Recipes**

Treat yourself to the most succulent, tender, and flavorful chicken you've ever tasted with our collection of perfect chicken brine recipes. Whether you're looking for a simple yet effective brine for everyday cooking or a more elaborate brine for special occasions, we've got you covered. Our recipes cater to various tastes and preferences, ensuring you find the perfect brine to elevate your chicken dishes to new heights. From classic brines featuring aromatic herbs, spices, and citrus to unique brines infused with unexpected ingredients, our selection offers a delightful culinary adventure. Prepare to savor chicken that's bursting with flavor, cooked to perfection, and sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to embark on a journey of taste sensations as you explore our diverse range of chicken brine recipes.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

PERFECT CHICKEN BRINE

Perfect Chicken Brine image

Brining chicken adds tons of flavor and keeps the meat moist. Several years of experimenting with ingredients and method and I finally found the right combination for my perfect chicken brine.

Provided by Kate Leifker

Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

16 cups water
¾ cup kosher salt
⅔ cup white sugar
2 heads garlic, crushed and chopped
¼ cup dried sage, or to taste
¼ cup dried basil, or to taste
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 large bay leaf

Steps:

Mix water, kosher salt, white sugar, garlic, sage, basil, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a large pot over medium-high heat; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the salt and sugar are dissolved completely, about 20 minutes.
Remove pot from heat and cover with a lid. Cool brine at room temperature for 2 hours before refrigerating to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 37.8 calories, Carbohydrate 9.2 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 0.6 g, Sodium 3422.9 mg, Sugar 6.7 g

SIMPLE CHICKEN BRINE

Simple Chicken Brine image

This simple chicken brine will help make the meat more tender and juicy.

Provided by Jay

Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

Ingredients

1 gallon warm water
¾ cup kosher salt
⅔ cup sugar
¾ cup soy sauce
¼ cup olive oil

Steps:

Pour the warm water into a container that is twice the volume of the water. Pour in the salt, sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil. Stir until the sugar and salt have dissolved, then allow the brine to cool to room temperature.
To use, place chicken in the brine, cover, and refrigerate two hours for skinless breasts, 4 hours for bone-in pieces, and 4 hours to overnight for whole chickens. Drain and pat the chicken dry before cooking. One gallon of brine is enough for 6 pounds of whole chicken or bone-in chicken pieces, and up to 10 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breasts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 182.5 calories, Carbohydrate 24.7 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 9 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1.2 g, Sodium 13209.3 mg, Sugar 22.7 g

PERFECT ROAST CHICKEN

Perfect Roast Chicken image

For the perfect roast chicken dinner every time, try this popular recipe from Ina Garten, Food Network's Barefoot Contessa.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories main-dish

Time 2h10m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 (5 to 6 pound) roasting chicken
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 large bunch fresh thyme, plus 20 sprigs
1 lemon, halved
1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter, melted
1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
4 carrots cut into 2-inch chunks
1 bulb of fennel, tops removed, and cut into wedges
Olive oil

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Remove the chicken giblets. Rinse the chicken inside and out. Remove any excess fat and leftover pin feathers and pat the outside dry. Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with the bunch of thyme, both halves of lemon, and all the garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with the butter and sprinkle again with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken. Place the onions, carrots, and fennel in a roasting pan. Toss with salt, pepper, 20 sprigs of thyme, and olive oil. Spread around the bottom of the roasting pan and place the chicken on top.
Roast the chicken for 1 1/2 hours, or until the juices run clear when you cut between a leg and thigh. Remove the chicken and vegetables to a platter and cover with aluminum foil for about 20 minutes. Slice the chicken onto a platter and serve it with the vegetables.

Tips:

Use a flavorful liquid: Choose a liquid that will infuse the chicken with flavor, such as water, broth, buttermilk, or even apple cider.
Add seasonings and aromatics: Enhance the flavor of the brine by adding herbs, spices, citrus, or other aromatics. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites.
Brine the chicken for an optimal time: The ideal brining time depends on the size and type of chicken. As a general rule, brine whole chickens for 12-24 hours and chicken breasts or thighs for 4-8 hours.
Keep the chicken cold during brining: Place the chicken in a covered container or bag and refrigerate it while brining. This prevents the growth of bacteria.
Rinse the chicken before cooking: After brining, rinse the chicken thoroughly with cold water to remove excess salt and seasonings.
Pat the chicken dry: Before cooking, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown and crisp.

Conclusion:

Brining chicken is a simple yet effective technique that can significantly enhance the flavor and tenderness of your poultry. By following these tips, you can achieve perfectly brined chicken every time. Experiment with different brines and brining times to find the combination that you enjoy the most.