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Chicken Brine
Get the most flavorful whole chicken that is so tender and juicy with this effortless method. This simple chicken brine guarantees perfect results every time, and every bite is truly delicious!
Prep Time
10 mins
Chilling time
3 hrs
Total Time
3 hrs 10 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 609 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 quarts water about 8 cups cold water
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 lemons sliced
- 5 sprigs parsley
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 3 sprigs rosemary
- 3 dried bay leaves
- 5 garlic cloves smashed
- ¼ cup kosher salt or cooking salt
- 1 Tablespoon black peppercorns
- 3 - 4 lb chicken whole
Instructions
- Bring 1 cup of water, salt, peppercorns, honey, garlic in a large pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook for 3 minutes until salt has dissolved. Turn off the heat, add remaining water and several ice cubes to cool the water completely.
- Add the chicken to the cooled brine and make sure the chicken is completely submerged.
- Cover the pot and refrigerate for at least 3 - 4 hours, best for 8 - 24 hours.
- Remove chicken from the brine and rinse with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. You can proceed with roasting the chicken in the oven, cooking it in the Instant Pot or smoking it in the smoker.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Let the chicken sit in the brine in the fridge with a lid on or covered with plastic wrap or foil.
- Do not reuse brine. Discard it once you remove the chicken.
- Before cooking your chicken, let it come up to room temperature. This will help it to keep it nice and tender.
- Let the chicken rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition Information
Calories
609kcal
(30%)
Carbohydrates
17g
(6%)
Protein
48g
(96%)
Fat
38g
(58%)
Saturated Fat
11g
(55%)
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
191mg
(64%)
Sodium
4912mg
(205%)
Potassium
579mg
(17%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
13g
(26%)
Vitamin A
471IU
(9%)
Vitamin C
26mg
(29%)
Calcium
67mg
(7%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 609
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 609kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 17g | 6% |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Fat | 38g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 191mg | 64% |
| Sodium | 4912mg | 205% |
| Potassium | 579mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 471IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 26mg | 29% |
| Calcium | 67mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.