Chicken Brine For Smoking

Raw whole chicken with brine ingredients and meat scissors

Chicken Brine For Smoking

This is the most flavorful Chicken Brine For Smoking. This Brine compliments the flavors of the grill with fresh veggies and herbs so your bird comes out moist and juicy every time.

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Keyword Brine

Prep Time 20

Brine Time 12

Servings

Calories 89kcal

Equipment

large pot
Large Container w/ Lid

Ingredients

1 gallon Water
3/4 cup Kosher Salt
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/4 cup Soy Sauce
1 bunch Scallions
1 bunch Parsley
3 Carrots
1/2 bunch Celery about 6 stalks
2 Lemons
3 tbsp Chicken Boullion Powder
2 tbsp Black Peppercorns

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a large pot and brine to a simmer. Stir until the salt and sugar have dissolved.
Add Ice and cool the brine down to about 41 degrees F.
Place the chicken in a food safe container with a lid. Pour in the brine making sure the chicken is fully submerged. Store in the fridge overnight or at least 8 hours. No more than 24 hours.
The next day remove the chicken from the brine and place on a sheet pan with a wire rack. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in the fridge uncovered for 2-4 hours to air dry before seasoning and smoking the chicken.

Notes

Once you remove the chicken from the brine use a strainer to pour put the liquid down the sink. throw away all of the leftover ingredients then be sure to sanitize the sink.

Don't brine chicken more than 24 hours. it can break down and make the chicken mushy.

Make sure you find a container that has a sealable lid and that fits in your fridge. If its winter and its very cold out you can leave the brine in the garage.

You can also brine the chicken directly in a cooler with lots of ice. Just make sure you bleach the cooler and rinse it well before you use it again.

You may want to add different ingredients like pickle juice, Fresh Jalapeños, Other Herbs like rosemary, thyme, bay leaf or sage.

You can also add seasonings such as curry powder, Chinese 5 spice, Jamaican jerk spice. It all depends what flavor profile you want the chicken to be.

Nutrition