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
Units
Scale
- 8 cups of water
- 6 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 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