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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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Calories |
836 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 33.0 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.6 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 326 mg | 109% | |
| Sodium | 13705 mg | 596% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.6 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.4 g | ||
| Protein | 117.0 g | 234% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 82 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 5.3 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 1049 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
