How to Brine Chicken for Smoking
A smoked chicken brine recipe for flavorful and extra juicy meat. A tried and true timeless recipe used by chefs. Use it to brine a whole chicken or chicken breast, wings, thighs or drumsticks.
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Servings: 1 batch chicken brine
Calories: 703kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup kosher salt*
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2-4 bay leaves optional
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds optional
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups water with the salt and sugar, add the bay leaves, peppercorns and mustard seeds and bring to simmer. Remove from heat and stir to help the salt and sugar dissolve.
- In an appropriately sized container combine 2 cups cold water and 6 cups ice cubes. Pour the concentrated brine solution and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cool down.
- Add the chicken to the cool brine and make sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and refrigerate. Brine as necessary (see notes below).
- Before smoking remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry. Discard the brine.
- When seasoning the outside of the meat keep in mind that you need to use very little or no salt because the chicken has already absorbed sodium from the brine (this depends on the length of the brining time).
- TIP: If you already brined chicken for the necessary hours but changed plans last minute and are not going to smoke it right away then remove the meat from the brine and pat it dry. Return it to the refrigerator until you need to cook it. Cook it within 24 hours.
Notes
This batch of brine is sufficient for a whole bird of about 4 pounds. Double the recipe for more protein.
*If using a brand such as Morton, reduce to 6 tbsp. Morton is very dense and contains more sodium per the same volume which will result in a stronger saline solution. Ideally use Diamond Crystal brand or a store brand such as Kroger.
Suggested brine times:
- Whole chicken – 12 to 24 hours
- Chicken thighs – 8 to 12 hours
- Chicken breast – 8 to 12 hours
- Chicken wings – up to 8 hours
- Drumsticks - up to 12 hours
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 703kcal | Carbohydrates: 180g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 30283mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 177g
