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Juicy Brined Chicken

A deliciously moist and tender chicken dish enhanced by a simple brining process, perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Brine
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup salt Kosher salt recommended
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar can be used
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme Or fresh, if available
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary Or fresh, if available
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
For the Chicken
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs) Ensure the chicken is cleaned and patted dry

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, combine the water, salt, brown sugar, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and peppercorns. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar have completely dissolved.
  2. Once the brine is ready, remove it from heat and allow it to cool completely. To speed up the cooling process, you can add a couple of ice cubes.
  3. Place your whole chicken into a large, resealable plastic bag or a clean container. Pour the cooled brine over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Seal the bag tightly and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
Cooking
  1. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Remove the chicken from the brine and rinse it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Place it on a roasting pan and season the skin with your favorite spices, or simply with salt and pepper.
  3. Roast in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  4. Let your chicken rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for that ultimate juicy bite!

Notes

Feel free to swap out herbs based on your taste preferences. Avoid rushing the brining process for the best flavors. Ensure to fully rinse the chicken after brining to avoid excess saltiness. Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or frozen for 3 months.