Roasted Brined Chicken
Elevate your dinner table with this perfectly seasoned and irresistibly tender Roasted Brined Chicken, a show-stopping dish that's packed with flavor from the inside out. This recipe combines a savory brine of garlic, fresh herbs, and spices, ensuring every juicy bite is infused with aromatic goodness. A buttery herb rub enhances the crispy, golden skin, while a medley of roasted carrots, celery, and onion creates a flavorful base that doubles as a side dish. With a prep-ahead brining process that locks in moisture and a high-heat roasting technique that delivers crisp perfection, this dish is as impressive as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this roasted chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a meal that’s as comforting as it is elegant.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 4-5 pounds Whole chicken
- 8 cups Water
- 0.5 cup Kosher salt
- 0.25 cup Sugar
- 4 pieces Garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 1 piece Fresh rosemary sprig
- 4 pieces Fresh thyme sprigs
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 piece Lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 pieces Carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 pieces Celery stalks, chopped
- 1 piece Onion, quartered
Instructions
In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, sugar, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, bay leaves, rosemary sprig, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let the brine cool completely.
Place the whole chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container. Pour the cooled brine over the chicken, ensuring it is fully submerged. Seal and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours.
After brining, remove the chicken from the brine. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Let it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the skin to dry slightly (this helps it crisp during roasting).
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken around the breast and thighs, and rub the butter mixture under the skin. Rub any remaining butter mixture on the outer skin of the chicken.
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon slices and a few additional sprigs of thyme and rosemary for added aroma.
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and massage it evenly onto the surface.
In a roasting pan, spread the chopped carrots, celery, and onion to create a vegetable base for the chicken. These vegetables will also absorb drippings for added flavor.
Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking.
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165°F (74°C) when checked at the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
Every 20-30 minutes, baste the chicken with the pan drippings to keep it moist and enhance its flavor.
Once fully cooked and golden brown, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Serve the roasted chicken with the caramelized vegetables from the roasting pan and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1283 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.1 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.9 g | 190% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 260 mg | 87% | |
| Sodium | 56411 mg | 2453% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 89.2 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 62.4 g | ||
| Protein | 40.5 g | 81% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 349 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 1454 mg | 31% | |
*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.
