Roasted Brined Chicken

Elevate your dinner table with this perfectly seasoned and irresistibly tender Roasted Brined Chicken, a show-stopping dish that's packed with flavor from the inside out. This recipe combines a savory brine of garlic, fresh herbs, and spices, ensuring every juicy bite is infused with aromatic goodness. A buttery herb rub enhances the crispy, golden skin, while a medley of roasted carrots, celery, and onion creates a flavorful base that doubles as a side dish. With a prep-ahead brining process that locks in moisture and a high-heat roasting technique that delivers crisp perfection, this dish is as impressive as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this roasted chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a meal that’s as comforting as it is elegant.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:780 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:870 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 4-5 pounds Whole chicken
• 8 cups Water
• 0.5 cup Kosher salt
• 0.25 cup Sugar
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns
• 2 pieces Bay leaves
• 1 piece Fresh rosemary sprig
• 4 pieces Fresh thyme sprigs
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, softened
• 1 piece Lemon, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 pieces Carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 pieces Celery stalks, chopped
• 1 piece Onion, quartered

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, sugar, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, bay leaves, rosemary sprig, and thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let the brine cool completely.

Step 2

Place the whole chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container. Pour the cooled brine over the chicken, ensuring it is fully submerged. Seal and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours.

Step 3

After brining, remove the chicken from the brine. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Let it sit uncovered in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to allow the skin to dry slightly (this helps it crisp during roasting).

Step 4

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 5

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken around the breast and thighs, and rub the butter mixture under the skin. Rub any remaining butter mixture on the outer skin of the chicken.

Step 6

Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon slices and a few additional sprigs of thyme and rosemary for added aroma.

Step 7

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and massage it evenly onto the surface.

Step 8

In a roasting pan, spread the chopped carrots, celery, and onion to create a vegetable base for the chicken. These vegetables will also absorb drippings for added flavor.

Step 9

Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking.

Step 10

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165°F (74°C) when checked at the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

Step 11

Every 20-30 minutes, baste the chicken with the pan drippings to keep it moist and enhance its flavor.

Step 12

Once fully cooked and golden brown, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Step 13

Serve the roasted chicken with the caramelized vegetables from the roasting pan and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	4386.7 grams (4386.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1283

Total Fat 90.10g	116%
Saturated Fat 37.90g	190%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 260mg	87%
Sodium 56411mg	2453%
Total Carbohydrate 89.20g	32%
Dietary Fiber 11.20g	40%
Total Sugars 62.40g
Protein 40.50g	81%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 349mg	27%
Iron 5mg	30%
Potassium 1454mg	31%

*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: 61.0%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 26.8%