Perfect Chicken Brine

I created this chicken brine after experimenting for several years. This brine will add a ton of flavor and will ensure the meat stays moist as it’s cooked.

Chicken Brine Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Additional Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 16 cups water
  • ¾ cup kosher salt
  • ⅔ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup dried sage, or to taste
  • ¼ cup dried basil, or to taste
  • 2 heads garlic, crushed and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 large bay leaf

Instructions

    1. Bring water, kosher salt, sugar, sage, basil, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf to a simmer in a large pot over medium-high heat, about 20 to 30 minutes minutes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until salt and sugar are dissolved completely, about 20 minutes.
    2. Remove from the heat and cover with a lid. Let brine sit at room temperature for 2 hours to let the dried herbs steep and enhance the flavor of the brine. Refrigerate to finish cooling before using, at least 1 hour.

    Cook’s Note

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