Looking for a way to make your chicken breast dishes more juicy, flavorful, and tender? Look no further than a simple brine! Brining chicken breast is an easy and effective way to infuse it with moisture and flavor, resulting in a meal that is sure to impress. In this article, we'll share our favorite easy brine recipe for chicken breast, along with tips and tricks for making the most of this technique.
Description
A brine is a mixture of salt, sugar, and water that you soak your chicken in before cooking. This helps the chicken to retain moisture, resulting in a more tender and juicy end product. Brining also allows you to infuse the chicken with additional flavors, such as herbs, spices, and citrus.
Prep Time
Plan for at least 2 hours of brining time, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for prep.
Cook Time
Cook time will vary depending on the method you choose. Grilling, baking, and pan-searing are all great options for cooking brined chicken breast.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups water
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
1 lemon, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Equipment
You'll need a large bowl, a whisk, and a sealable plastic bag.
Method
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the water, salt, sugar, garlic, peppercorns, and lemon slices until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. 2. Place the chicken breasts in a sealable plastic bag and pour the brine over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours. 3. When you're ready to cook the chicken, preheat your oven, grill, or skillet to medium-high heat. 4. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. 5. Rub the chicken with olive oil and any additional seasonings you like. 6. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping it halfway through if using a skillet or grill. 7. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Be sure to use kosher salt rather than table salt, as it dissolves more easily and evenly. - If you're short on time, you can brine the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but longer is better for maximum flavor and tenderness. - You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and citrus fruits to customize the flavor of your brine.
Brining chicken helps it to retain moisture and flavor, resulting in a more tender and juicy end product. The salt in the brine causes the chicken to absorb water, which plumps up the meat and prevents it from drying out during cooking.
How long should I brine chicken?
For best results, brine chicken for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours. You can brine for as little as 30 minutes if you're short on time, but longer is better for maximum flavor and tenderness.
What kind of salt should I use for brining?
Use kosher salt rather than table salt, as it dissolves more easily and evenly.
Can I reuse brine?
No, it's not safe to reuse brine. Discard any leftover brine after you've removed the chicken from it.
Recipe Tips
- Be sure to pat the chicken dry after removing it from the brine, as excess moisture can prevent it from browning properly. - Rub the chicken with a little bit of olive oil before cooking to help prevent sticking and promote browning. - Don't salt the chicken again after brining, as it will already be seasoned from the brine. - Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy end product.
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