easy chicken brine recipe

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best easy chicken brine recipe

I’m so excited to share this easy chicken brine recipe with you all. As a busy mom of three, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, delicious, and easy to make. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I just know it will become one in yours too.

I first discovered this recipe on a food blog a few years ago, and I was hooked from the very first bite. The combination of flavors is just right – not too salty, not too sweet – and the texture of the chicken is always moist and tender. I love serving this dish at family gatherings, as it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

My kids love it when I serve it with roasted vegetables or a side salad, and my husband loves it when I serve it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Thanksgiving or Christmas. And the best part?

It’s ridiculously easy to make. Just mix together some basic ingredients like salt, sugar, and spices, and soak your chicken in the brine for a few hours before cooking. Voila!

You’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time. Plus, this recipe has so many health benefits – it’s low in calories and high in protein, making it a great option for those looking to eat healthier. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think!

I just know you’ll love it as much as we do.

4.8 from 1809 votes

A simple and effective brine to keep chicken moist and flavorful. This basic salt and sugar solution works for any cut of chicken.

🖨️ Print Recipe 📌 Pin Recipe ❤️ Add to Collection

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time4 hours 10 mins

Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 15 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

4 cups water

1/4 cup kosher salt

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1 tablespoon black peppercorns

2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Combine 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup kosher salt, and 1/4 cup sugar in a large bowl or pot.

2Whisk vigorously until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved, which should take about 1 minute.

3The liquid should appear clear with no grains remaining at the bottom.

4Add the smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, and fresh rosemary sprigs to the brine.

5Stir gently to distribute the aromatics.

6The brine will have a fragrant, savory scent from the herbs and spices.

7Place your chicken pieces (such as breasts or thighs) into a large resealable bag or container.

8Pour the brine over the chicken, ensuring it is fully submerged.

9Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, but no longer to avoid over-brining.

10After brining, remove the chicken from the liquid and discard the brine.

11Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove excess salt.

12Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking as desired.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl or pot

Whisk

Measuring cups and spoons

Large resealable bag or container

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 15 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 3540mg🌾Total Carbs: 4g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Do not brine for more than 4 hours, as the chicken can become too salty. For a larger bird like a whole chicken, double the brine ingredients and extend the brining time to 8 to 12 hours. Always rinse the chicken after brining to control saltiness.

Watch Video Of How Easy Chicken Brine Recipe Works

This easy chicken brine recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event like Thanksgiving or Christmas. And one of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months – so go ahead and make extra!

When reheating leftover chicken, be sure to heat it slowly over low heat until warmed through – don’t overcook it! And if you want to get fancy with your presentation, try serving your chicken on top of a bed of rice or with some steamed vegetables.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Brine

1. What is a brine?

A brine is essentially a solution of water and salt (and sometimes sugar or other ingredients) that you soak your chicken in before cooking. The purpose of the brine is to add moisture and flavor to the chicken.

2. Why do you need to soak the chicken in the brine for several hours?

Soaking the chicken in the brine allows the seasonings to penetrate deep into the meat, making it more flavorful and tender.

3. Can I use this recipe for turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can definitely use this recipe for turkey! In fact, turkey benefits even more from the brine than chicken does.

4. How long should I soak my chicken in the brine?

You can soak your chicken in the brine for anywhere from 2-6 hours – whatever works best for you.

easy chicken brine recipe

The Best easy chicken brine recipe