Brining a 3 1 2 4 Chicken

Unlock the secret to irresistibly juicy and flavorful chicken with this easy guide to brining a 3 1/2-pound whole chicken. This recipe involves a simple yet aromatic brine featuring kosher salt, granulated sugar, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, fresh thyme, and sliced lemon, ensuring every bite of chicken is infused with mouthwatering seasoning. By soaking the chicken in this brine overnight, the natural juices are sealed in while the subtle flavors of the aromatics gently penetrate the meat. The quick 15-minute prep is well worth it, as this brining method guarantees perfectly tender, moist chicken that’s ready to be roasted, grilled, or fried to golden perfection. Ideal for any cooking method, this step-by-step approach will elevate your poultry game with ease.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3.5 lb Chicken, whole
• 0.5 cup Kosher salt
• 2 tbsp Granulated sugar
• 8 cups Cold water
• 2 leaf Bay leaves
• 4 clove Garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 tbsp Peppercorns, whole
• 4 sprig Fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 whole Lemon, sliced
• 2 cups Ice cubes

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Heat over medium-high heat and stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.

Step 2

Remove the pot from heat and add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the brine base to cool it down. Ensure the solution reaches room temperature before proceeding.

Step 3

To the pot, add bay leaves, smashed garlic cloves, peppercorns, fresh thyme sprigs, lemon slices, and ice cubes. Stir to incorporate all the aromatics into the brine.

Step 4

Place the chicken into the brine, ensuring it is fully submerged. If the chicken floats, weigh it down with a plate or another heavy object.

Step 5

Cover the pot or move the contents to a large, sealable bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for optimal flavor and moisture retention.

Step 6

When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Step 7

Proceed to cook the chicken using your preferred method, such as roasting, grilling, or frying. Note that no additional salt may be needed as the brine has already seasoned the meat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4207.2 grams (4207.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3948

Total Fat 213.20g	273%
Saturated Fat 60.50g	303%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 1397mg	466%
Sodium 55072mg	2394%
Total Carbohydrate 40.50g	15%
Dietary Fiber 4.50g	16%
Total Sugars 26.50g
Protein 436.10g	872%

Vitamin D 206IU	1032%
Calcium 406mg	31%
Iron 21mg	117%
Potassium 3787mg	81%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.2%

Protein: 45.6%

Carbs: 4.2%