Simple Chicken Brine with a Global Twist
This Simple Chicken Brine with a Global Twist enhances poultry with a fusion of flavors, ensuring juicy, tender results. Perfect for roasting, grilling, or frying.
Ingredients
- 8 cups 2 quarts water
- 1/3 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 lemon sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups ice cubes
Instructions
- A large pot is filled with 4 cups of water and placed over medium heat.
- Salt, honey, and brown sugar are stirred into the warm water until fully dissolved.
- Black peppercorns, ginger, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, bay leaves, lemon slices, and thyme are added, and the mixture is simmered for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
- The brine is removed from heat, and 4 cups of ice cubes are stirred in to cool it down rapidly.
- The brine is transferred to a large container or resealable bag, ensuring it is completely chilled before adding the chicken.
- The chicken is fully submerged in the brine and refrigerated for 6 to 12 hours.
- The chicken is removed, rinsed under cold water, and patted dry before cooking as desired.