Chicken Brine Recipe
Chicken brine is a simple way to make sure your chicken recipes are always moist, juicy, and perfect. This easy brine recipe is only three basic ingredients!
Servings 4
Calories 178kcal
Ingredients
- 4 cups warm water
- ¼ cup kosher salt Morton's
- 2 tablespoons gently packed brown sugar
- 8 chicken thighs 8 legs, 6 chicken breasts, or 1 medium/small whole chicken
- Optional: additional spices or flavors
Instructions
- If water is cold, heat it for about 90 - 120 seconds in the microwave (you want it very warm, but not hot). You can also do this on the stove top if you prefer.
- Stir salt and brown sugar into water. Stir until salt and sugar are completely dissolved and liquid is translucent.
- Add chicken to a watertight bowl or bag. Pour brining liquid over chicken and seal bag or cover bowl tightly. Make sure brine covers chicken completely; prepare additional brine if necessary.
- Allow chicken to brine in the refrigerator for the amount of time designated for your cut (see recipe notes below). Pat chicken dry with a clean towel or cloth before cooking.
Video
Notes
Calories and nutritional data are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.
Brining time by cut: legs, drumsticks, and thighs 2 to 6 hours; wings 1 to 2 hours; boneless breasts 1 to 2 hours; bone-in breasts 2 to 4 hours; whole chicken 8 to 24 hours. Do not brine longer than 24 hours or the texture turns mushy.
Nutrition
Calories: 178kcal