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Basic Brine For Juicy Tender Chicken Or Turkey Recipe

Unlock the secret to unbelievably juicy and tender chicken and turkey every time! This foolproof brine recipe is a game-changer. Infuse your poultry with incredible flavor and moisture using a simple process of diffusion and osmosis. The brine penetrates deep into the meat's muscle tissues, resulting in succulent results that will leave you amazed. Perfect for whole chickens, turkeys, or even individual pieces, this versatile brine allows you to add your favorite dry rubs, marinades, or sauces without overpowering the natural flavor. Prepare for the most tender, juicy, and flavorful poultry you've ever tasted—even your leftovers will be incredible! This recipe ensures your chicken transforms into a second meal with its amazing moisture retention.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Calories 557.6 kcal
Protein 0g
Rating 4.2 (22 Reviews)
Basic Brine For Juicy Tender Chicken Or Turkey 22

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basic Brine For Juicy Tender Chicken Or Turkey

  • Cold Water
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • Light Brown Sugar

How to Make Basic Brine For Juicy Tender Chicken Or Turkey

  1. In a large container, whisk together 1 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup baking powder, 8 cups of water, and your choice of herbs and spices (see variations below).
  2. For chicken: Submerge a whole chicken (approximately 3-4 lbs) completely in the brine. For larger birds, increase brine volume accordingly.
  3. For Turkey: Place a whole turkey (size dependent, adjust brine amount accordingly) in a large cooler with enough brine to cover entirely. Add a 5 lb bag of ice to help maintain consistent temperature.
  4. Refrigerate: Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for chicken. Brine turkey overnight.
  5. Rinse: Remove the chicken or turkey from the brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt.
  6. Cook: Prepare your chicken or turkey using your preferred cooking method (roasting, grilling, etc.).
  7. Enjoy: Savor the incredibly juicy and tender results! Leftovers will stay moist and flavorful.
  8. Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices! Try adding bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, garlic cloves, peppercorns, or citrus peels.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Elevate your dish with simple flavor boosters! A final flourish of freshly chopped herbs can add incredible brightness, while a squeeze of lemon or lime juice right before serving can awaken all the flavors. Don't underestimate a sprinkle of quality finishing salt or a drizzle of good olive oil to make your creation shine.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

2364 g

Sugar

569g

Fat

0g

Carbs

47g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Poultry Chicken Recipes Turkey Recipes The Americas American Southern Gluten Free Fall Recipes Holiday Recipes Grilling & Bbq

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation North American Low Protein Healthy 5 Ingredients Or Less Poultry American Easy Beginner Cook Low Fat Chicken Dietary Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Low Carb Midwestern Inexpensive Low In Something Meat Chicken Breasts Whole Chicken