Brined roasted chicken garnished with herbs and spices on a serving platter

Brined Roasted Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Brining chicken is a great way to enhance its flavor and juiciness. This recipe for chicken brine will help you create a moist and delicious bird that’s packed with taste. The salt and herbs used in the brine make the chicken tender and savory, making it a perfect choice for any meal.

how to make Chicken Brine

Making chicken brine is quite simple. Follow these steps to prepare a flavorful brine for your chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 2 litres / 2 quarts water (cold tap water)
  • 1/3 cup kosher or cooking salt, NOT table salt (Note 1)
  • 2 lemons, quartered
  • 10 sprigs parsley (fresh)
  • 7 sprigs thyme
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 5 bay leaves (fresh or 3 dried)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 6 garlic cloves (smashed) (Note 3)
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns
  • 1.5 – 2 kg / 3-4 lb chicken (whole)
  • 3 tbsp / 40g butter (melted)
  • Salt and pepper to season

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the water and kosher salt. Stir until the salt completely dissolves.
  2. Add the quartered lemons, parsley, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, honey, smashed garlic cloves, and black peppercorns to the pot. Mix well.
  3. Allow the brine to cool to room temperature. If you need to speed up the cooling, you can add ice.
  4. Once cooled, place the whole chicken in a large container or Ziploc bag. Pour the brine over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the container.
  5. Refrigerate the chicken in the brine for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
  6. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the brine. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
  7. Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F. Brush the chicken with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.
  8. Roast the chicken in the oven for about 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C / 165°F.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.

how to serve Chicken Brine

Once you have roasted your brined chicken, you can serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The juicy and flavorful chicken will be the star of your meal!

how to store Chicken Brine

If you have leftover brined chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftover brine, it is best to discard it as it has been used on raw chicken.

tips to make Chicken Brine

  • Make sure to use kosher or cooking salt, as table salt can make the brine too salty.
  • Adjust the herbs according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding spices like chili flakes or smoked paprika for added flavor.
  • Remember to rinse the chicken well after brining to avoid excess saltiness.

variation (if any)

You can change the flavor of your brine by adding different herbs and spices such as dill, cumin, or coriander. You can also substitute the honey with brown sugar for a different sweetness.

FAQs

Q: How long should I brine the chicken?
A: You can brine the chicken for at least 4 hours, but for best results, brining it overnight is recommended.

Q: Can I use a frozen chicken for brining?
A: It is best to thaw the chicken completely before brining for even flavor distribution.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
A: You can use dried herbs, but use less since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Generally, 1/3 of the amount of fresh herbs is a good rule.