Name: Quick and easy Chicken Brine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: WaterThe base of any brine is water. It serves as the medium in which the salt and sugar dissolve, ensuring even distribution throughout the chicken. Typically, you’ll need about 4 cups of water for every 1 to 2 pounds of chicken.; SaltSalt is the key ingredient in a brine because it helps to draw moisture into the chicken. Kosher salt is the most commonly used type because it dissolves easily and doesn’t have the harsh taste that table salt sometimes does. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of kosher salt for every 4 cups of water.; SugarSugar helps to balance the saltiness and enhances the chicken’s flavor. You can use granulated sugar, but some people prefer to use brown sugar for a deeper, slightly caramelized flavor. For every 4 cups of water, 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar is generally recommended.

Description

This easy and quick chicken brine ensures tender, flavorful chicken every time. Perfect for grilling, roasting, frying, or baking, this brine locks in moisture and enhances flavor in just a few hours.

Ingredients

Water
The base of any brine is water. It serves as the medium in which the salt and sugar dissolve, ensuring even distribution throughout the chicken. Typically, you’ll need about 4 cups of water for every 1 to 2 pounds of chicken.
Salt
Salt is the key ingredient in a brine because it helps to draw moisture into the chicken. Kosher salt is the most commonly used type because it dissolves easily and doesn’t have the harsh taste that table salt sometimes does. You’ll need about 1/4 cup of kosher salt for every 4 cups of water.
Sugar
Sugar helps to balance the saltiness and enhances the chicken’s flavor. You can use granulated sugar, but some people prefer to use brown sugar for a deeper, slightly caramelized flavor. For every 4 cups of water, 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar is generally recommended.

Instructions

Prepare the Brine Solution
In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of kosher salt, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. There’s no need to bring the water to a boil – just a simmer to help dissolve the ingredients.
Add Optional Flavorings (Optional)
Once the salt and sugar are dissolved, add any optional flavor enhancers you desire. Add 1 tablespoon of whole peppercorns, 2 sprigs of fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), 2 crushed garlic cloves, or a teaspoon of citrus zest. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients throughout the brine.
Cool the Brine
After adding the flavorings, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the brine to cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring the brine to a large bowl and placing it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or simply allow it to sit at room temperature.
Brine the Chicken
Once the brine has cooled, place your chicken in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the brine over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged. If you don’t have enough brine to cover the chicken, you can make a little more using the same ratio of salt, sugar, and water. Seal the bag or cover the bowl tightly.
Refrigerate the Chicken
Place the chicken in the refrigerator to brine for at least 1 hour. For best results, allow it to brine for 2 to 4 hours. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will provide some flavor enhancement. For a more intense flavor, you can brine the chicken overnight.
Rinse and Dry
After the brining time is complete, remove the chicken from the brine. Give it a quick rinse under cold water to remove any excess salt from the surface. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve a crispy, golden skin when roasting or frying.
Cook the Chicken
Now that your chicken is perfectly brined, you can proceed with your preferred cooking method, whether you’re grilling, baking, frying, or roasting. The brining process has already helped lock in moisture and flavor, ensuring a juicy and tender result.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 5