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Brine for Chicken Breast

Brine for Chicken Breast

Brining chicken breast helps enhance its juiciness and flavor by allowing the meat to absorb moisture and seasoning. This simple brine combines salt, sugar, and aromatics for a tender, juicy chicken breast perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Dish, Chicken
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Medium to large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Zip-top bag or container with a lid (for marinating)
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 2 cloves garlic smashed or minced
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns crushed or whole
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional: 1 sprig of rosemary thyme, or any fresh herb for added flavor

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the brine:
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cold water, kosher salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar have dissolved completely.
  • Add aromatics:
  • Add garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf, and any optional herbs to the brine. Stir gently to combine.
  • Submerge the chicken:
  • Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or a container with a lid. Pour the brine over the chicken, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  • Refrigerate:
  • Seal the bag or container and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours. (Do not exceed 4 hours to prevent overly salty chicken.)
  • Rinse and dry:
  • Once brining is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the brine. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat them dry with paper towels.
  • Cook as desired:
  • Grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken breasts according to your preferred method.
  • Details:
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Brining Time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
  • Total Time: 35 minutes to 4 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish, Chicken
  • Method: Brining
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Low-Carb
  • Keywords:
  • Juicy chicken, chicken breast brine, tender chicken, saltwater brine, chicken marinade, grilling chicken prep
  • Nutrition (Per Serving - Approximate):
  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (6 oz)
  • Calories: 165 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 450 mg (post-rinse)
  • Total Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Notes

Do not over-brine the chicken, as it can become too salty.
For added flavor, you can customize the brine with citrus (e.g., lemon slices), spices (e.g., paprika or cumin), or other herbs (e.g., thyme or parsley).
After brining, pat the chicken dry to ensure a nice sear if you’re grilling or pan-frying.
Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Keyword Juicy chicken, chicken breast brine, tender chicken, saltwater brine, chicken marinade, grilling chicken prep