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–+ servings

Perfect Chicken Brine

This simple chicken brine will add a ton of flavor to whole chickens or bone-in pieces, while ensuring the meat stays super moist as it's cooked.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Ingredient
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 16 cups cold water
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 fresh sage sprigs
  • 4 fresh basil sprigs
  • 4 garlic cloves smashed
  • 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
  • 1 bay leaf

Method
 

  1. In a large stockpot, combine water, kosher salt, sugar, sage, basil, garlic, peppercorns, and the bay leaf.
  2. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until salt and sugar are fully dissolved, about 20 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let the brine cool completely to room temperature.
  4. Submerge your whole chicken or bone-in pieces in the cooled brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to overnight.
  5. When ready, remove chicken from the brine, rinse briefly under cold water, pat dry, and cook as desired.
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