Brining a 3 1 2 4 Chicken
Unlock the secret to irresistibly juicy and flavorful chicken with this easy guide to brining a 3 1/2-pound whole chicken. This recipe involves a simple yet aromatic brine featuring kosher salt, granulated sugar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, fresh thyme, and sliced lemon, ensuring every bite of chicken is infused with mouthwatering seasoning. By soaking the chicken in this brine overnight, the natural juices are sealed in while the subtle flavors of the aromatics gently penetrate the meat. The quick 15-minute prep is well worth it, as this brining method guarantees perfectly tender, moist chicken that’s ready to be roasted, grilled, or fried to golden perfection. Ideal for any cooking method, this step-by-step approach will elevate your poultry game with ease.
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Ingredients
- 3.5 lb Chicken, whole
- 0.5 cup Kosher salt
- 2 tbsp Granulated sugar
- 8 cups Cold water
- 2 leaf Bay leaves
- 4 clove Garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tbsp Peppercorns, whole
- 4 sprig Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 whole Lemon, sliced
- 2 cups Ice cubes
Directions
Step 1
In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium-high heat and stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
Step 2
Remove the pot from heat and add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the brine base to cool it down. Ensure the solution reaches room temperature before proceeding.
Step 3
To the pot, add bay leaves, smashed garlic cloves, peppercorns, fresh thyme sprigs, lemon slices, and ice cubes. Stir to incorporate all the aromatics into the brine.
Step 4
Place the chicken into the brine, ensuring it is fully submerged. If the chicken floats, weigh it down with a plate or another heavy object.
Step 5
Cover the pot or move the contents to a large, sealable bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for optimal flavor and moisture retention.
Step 6
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Step 7
Proceed to cook the chicken using your preferred method, such as roasting, grilling, or frying. Note that no additional salt may be needed as the brine has already seasoned the meat.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (4207.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3947.9 |
| Total Fat 213.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 60.5g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 1397.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 55071.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 40.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 4.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 26.5g | |
| Protein 436.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 206.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 406.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 21.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3787.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories