How to Make Perfect Chicken Brine - A Step-by-Step Guide

Brining is the secret to making the most succulent and flavorful chicken you've ever had. Whether you're grilling, roasting, or frying, brining your chicken is a foolproof way to ensure that every bite is juicy and full of flavor. This recipe for Perfect Chicken Brine is simple, yet incredibly effective, and will elevate your chicken to a whole new level.

So, what exactly is brining? Brining is a method of soaking meat in a saltwater solution before cooking. The salt in the brine not ...

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Ingredients

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

Information

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Additional Time: 3 hrs
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 45 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 1 gallon

  • Bring water, kosher salt, sugar, sage, basil, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf to a simmer in a large pot over medium-high heat; this could take upwards of 20 minutes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until salt and sugar are dissolved completely, about 20 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and cover with a lid. Let brine sit at room temperature for 2 hours; this lets the dried herbs steep and really enhances the flavor of the brine. Refrigerate to finish cooling before using, at least 1 hour.
  • Nutrition

    47 cal.

    • Total Fat: 0g
    • Sodium: 4279mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 12g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Protein: 1g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 46mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 64mg