Very few things beat a big plate of delicious fried chicken wings, but have you ever tried making brined chicken wings? Chicken wing brine brings a whole new level of flavor and succulence. Try this recipe once, and you'll never look back!
Best of all, it's incredibly simple. Believe me, this is the kind of recipe that can be used again and again to totally transform your favorite meat dishes!
Why you'll love this chicken wing brine recipe
- It produces the most melt-in-your-mouth, juicy, and tender texture, with chicken that falls off the bone.
- Brined wings have a deeper, richer flavor, as the chicken is flavored from the inside out—it's like internal basting!
- This brine can be used for more than just chicken wings—it can be used for any cut of chicken.
Equipment needed
There are a few pieces of kitchen equipment you'll need to make this chicken wing brine recipe:
- Stainless steel cooking pot — Stainless steel is a non-reactive material, perfect for the whole brining process, from heating to cooling. Avoid reactive materials like copper, iron, and aluminum.
- Large brining bags — While these aren't strictly necessary, brining bags can certainly come in handy if you're tight on refrigerator space, which tends to be the case during the holiday season. They will take up less space than a large container, so feel free to use one if needed.
- Large food-safe container — If you prefer to use a container different from the one you heated the brine in, ensure you get one large enough. It all depends on the size of your turkey, of course, but make sure your container is large enough for the brine to cover the turkey completely.
How to make chicken wing brine
Assemble all the ingredients for the brine.
Place the water, salt, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, black peppercorns, bay leaf, sliced orange, smashed garlic cloves, rosemary, or thyme in a pot.
Bring to a boil and stir until the salt and sugar have dissolved.
Remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in the fridge to chill thoroughly.
Your brine is now ready to do its job!
Go get your chicken wings!
Arrange the chicken wings in a glass container and pour in the brine until everything is covered. Brine for 2 to 4 hours, then cook to your preference.
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Top Tip
Don't leave chicken wings in the brine for too long. Between two and four hours is ideal. You risk ending up with overly salty or mushy chicken wings any longer.
Variations to this recipe
- Sweeteners: Try maple syrup, honey, or molasses instead of brown sugar for different sweetness levels.
- Acids: Substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine, balsamic, or rice vinegar. For a citrusy note, add lemon, lime, or grapefruit slices.
- Spices: Incorporate whole spices like star anise, cinnamon sticks, or allspice berries. For heat, add sliced jalapeño or habanero peppers or a teaspoon of hot sauce.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs such as sage, marjoram, or dill. Combine herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean mix, or cilantro stems and kaffir lime leaves for an Asian flair.
- Umami Boosters: A splash of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or a tablespoon of miso paste can deepen the umami flavor.
- Cuisine Customization: Adjust the brine to fit the wings' final flavor profile, whether Latin American with lime and cilantro or Asian with soy sauce and ginger.
Top tips
- Use a Big Enough Container - Size Matters: Always choose a large container to fully submerge your chicken wings in the brine and safely fit in your refrigerator.
- Check for Damage: Before brining, please look at your chosen container for any damage or signs of wear and make sure it is clean and sanitized. By selecting a suitable container for brining, you'll ensure the safety, flavor, and quality of your chicken wings, leading to delicious results every time.
Why brine chicken wings?
Brining chicken produces the most deliciously succulent, tender chicken, and it's very easy to do. All you need is a few ingredients and a little patience.
The salt in the brine helps to break down the meat's fibers while infusing flavor and moisture into the cells. It also locks moisture in while the chicken is cooking.
Normally, proteins help fibers contract, pushing moisture out of the chicken. However, the brine weakens the proteins, reducing the contractions, meaning your chicken stays juicier.
Can you brine frozen chicken wings?
Frozen wings can be brined just the same as regular chicken wings. If you have the time, defrost your chicken wings in advance, but it won't make too much of a difference.
Can you brine chicken wings for too long?
Yes. I recommend you brine the chicken wings for four to six hours. Any longer than six hours, you risk making the chicken soggy and unappetizing. Set a timer if you have to, don't leave it for longer than six hours!
Do you need to rinse the chicken after brining?
No, you don't need to rinse the chicken after it has been brined. All you need to do is pat it dry with a paper towel.
Should I cook chicken wings immediately after brining them?
No, it's not necessary to cook your brined chicken wings straight away. In fact, after you've rinsed the chicken and patted it dry, I recommend chilling the chicken wings for an hour or two, before cooking them. This will improve the flavor.
Do I need sugar in my brine?
Yes, I recommend using sugar. Many people leave it out, as they assume it's not necessary. However, sugar helps to produce a more rounded flavor. It also helps to achieve a caramelized texture when cooking the chicken wings, producing that delicious crispy skin that the best chicken wings have.
Which is better: wet brine or dry brine?
In general, wet brining works better on leaner, more delicate meats, such as chicken, turkey and fish. On the other hand, dry brining is better suited to fattier, richer meats such as beef, pork and lamb.
What's the best way to cook brined chicken wings?
Baked chicken wings
You'll never get a chewy, overcooked chicken wing ever again! Baked chicken wings that have been brined are absolutely sensational, with a succulence that you just can't get from ordinary baked chicken.
Add baking powder to the surface of the chicken before baking to ensure you get wonderfully crispy chicken wings.
Pan-fried chicken wings
It's less healthy than baked wings, but you'll have better control over the temperature and flavor, and you'll end up with incredible-tasting wings.
Deep-fried chicken wings
Deep frying is the only way to go if all-out indulgence is called for. Perfect for special occasions, deep-fried brined chicken wings are truly out of this world.
Chicken wings cooked in the air fryer
Air frying is an excellent alternative to pan frying or deep frying and a healthier way to cook brined chicken wings.
Barbecued or smoked chicken wings
The ultimate chicken wings! Barbecuing or smoking chicken wings that have been brined will produce the most incredible chicken you've ever eaten. If you're throwing a backyard party and you want to impress, this is the way to go!
What containers are suitable for brining?
Here are the best options when it comes to brining chicken wings:
Food-Grade Plastic Containers: These are a popular choice for brining because they are lightweight, non-reactive, and easy to find. Ensure the plastic is labeled "food-grade" to avoid chemicals leaching into the brine and chicken.
Stainless Steel Pots: Stainless steel is non-reactive and safe for brining. It's ideal for preparing the brine (heating and dissolving the salt and sugar) and cooling it with the chicken inside.
Glass Bowls or Containers: Glass is another excellent, non-reactive material that won't interfere with the flavor of the brine or the chicken. Please ensure the glass container is large enough to submerge the chicken wings and safe for refrigerator use.
Ceramic or Stoneware: Like glass, these materials are non-reactive and safe for brining as long as the glaze is intact. Please don't use cracked or chipped ceramic containers, as bacteria can reside in these imperfections.
What containers should not be used for brining?
Be sure to avoid using the following when brining chicken wings:
Aluminum, Copper, or Iron Pots: These metals can react with the acidic components of the brine (like vinegar or citrus), leading to a metallic taste in the chicken and potentially harmful compounds forming in the brine. This reaction can also damage the container's surface.
Non-Food-Grade Plastic: Containers not designated for food use may contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the brine and chicken, posing health risks.
What Happens If the Wrong Container Is Used?
Any one of the following could happen if you use the wrong material when brining:
Metallic Taste: Reactive metal containers can impart an unpleasant metallic taste to the chicken, ruining the flavor profile you've crafted carefully with your brine and seasonings.
Chemical Contamination: Brining in non-food-grade plastics or damaged ceramics can lead to chemical leaching, where harmful substances transfer from the container to the brine and chicken, potentially causing health issues.
Physical Damage to the Container: Acidic brines can corrode reactive containers, compromising their integrity and leaving you with a damaged pot or bowl.
Health Risks: In the worst cases, using inappropriate containers can lead to chemical or bacterial contamination, posing serious health risks to anyone consuming the brined chicken wings.
Is this recipe scalable?
Absolutely! You can make this a larger brine mixture by simply doubling the measurements below.
More fabulous brining recipes
Brining changes everything! Once you've given it a go, you'll be totally hooked. Luckily for you, I've got a whole load of wonderful brining recipes up my sleeve. Here are just a few... which one will you try next? Let me know in the comments below.
- Buttermilk brine – with only four ingredients, plus the option of a five fifth ingredient that brings next level flavor, this is a blissfully simple brine that's perfect for the festive season
- Apple cider brine – something of a Thanksgiving special, this recipe guarantees deliciousness every time and, unlike other brine recipes, uses a low amount of salt
- Whole turkey brine – the classic holiday season brine, this is simple yet oh so effective
- How to brine chicken – a general guide on the chicken brining process, take a look for some extra tips and tricks to achieve the perfect brine
📖 Recipe
Brined Chicken Wings Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups brine 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Once you've mastered the method of making brined chicken wings, you'll never prepare your chicken wings without it. The result is juicy, tender and delish!
Ingredients
- 8 cups of water
- 6 tablespoons kosher salt
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ orange, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- half sprig of rosemary or thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, black peppercorns, bay leaf, sliced orange, and smashed garlic cloves. Add the rosemary or thyme if using.
- Heat the Brine: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
- Cool the Brine: Remove the pot from the heat after the salt and sugar have dissolved. Allow the brine to cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly.
- Brine the Wings: Once the brine is chilled, place the chicken wings in a non-reactive container and pour the brine over them, submerging the wings. Cover the container and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
- To prepare for Smoking, Baking, Deep Frying, or Air Frying: Remove the wings from the brine, rinse under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, proceed to season and cook as desired.
Notes
- Brining Time: A shorter brining time is usually sufficient for smaller pieces like chicken wings. Keeping the brining time between 2 to 4 hours prevents the meat from becoming overly salty or mushy.
- Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the brine ingredients based on your taste preferences or to complement the specific flavor profile of your seasoning blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Brining Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Gluten Free
- Method: Brine
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9.2 g
- Sodium: 3723.8 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.6 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Pamela
You really know your stuff! I will have to step up my game and check out your other recipes as well!