How to Brine a Whole Chicken
Every week, I prepare and brine a whole chicken before the busy schedule starts. Having a chicken cooked and ready for the week nights is such a life saver. To help enhance the flavor and moisture of the chicken, I always brine it whole. This is such an easy step that will guarantee added flavor, and only takes a few extra minutes in preparation.
Why Brine a Chicken
There are times chicken can become a bit dry during the cooking process. Brining a chicken allows that moisture to go back into the chicken, adding the most delicious flavor, and making the meat super juicy. Brining is mixing together water, salt, and then additional ingredients. However, water and salt only will work perfectly.
How Long to Brine a Chicken
When I brine our chickens, I like to place it in a brine over night. This allows the brine to sit for at least 12 hours. There have certainly been times where I was in a rush, so the chicken ended up in a brine for only 6 hours, and I could taste a difference even with this shortened time frame. I would limit the brine time to no longer than 24 hours, to ensure the chicken doesn’t get too salty.
Brine Solution
If you’re ever feeling a bit lazy in the kitchen, and just want to get things done, then this brine solution is for you! I mix together 1 cup of kosher salt to 1 gallon of water, along with 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar. The apple cider vinegar help to tenderize the meat, and also adds extra flavor.
How to Brine a Whole Chicken
To start, add the salt and 2 cups of hot water. Swirl the water and salt together, until the salt is dissolved. Add the apple cider vinegar, chicken, and remaining water. Be sure the chicken is fully covered with water.
Ingredients
1 cup kosher salt
1 gallon water
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Optioned ingredients could be: peppercorns, orange slices, lemon slices, bay leaves, thyme, and so many more.
Equipment Needed
Large stock pot, giving enough space for the entire chicken to fit and be completely covered with water.
A food grade bucket would also work perfectly.
Do you Rinse Chicken after Brining
It’s always a good idea to rinse the chicken after brining. Rinsing removes any extra salt flavor. There have been plenty of times that I’ve forgotten though, and I actually did not notice an extra salt taste. If anything, it just added even more flavor!
Whole Chicken Recipes
When the brining process is complete, the options are endless. One of our all time favorite recipes is the Smoked Spatchcock chicken. This recipe is so easy and the chicken turns out so juicy and perfect every time. I also love a roasted chicken in the oven with potatoes and carrots. However you end up cooking your chicken, you will be so glad you added the brine to your recipe. Enjoy!
