“Enhance the flavors of your grilled chicken with our expertly crafted chicken brine. Designed specifically for grilling, our brine infuses the meat with a delicious blend of seasonings, ensuring tender and succulent results every time. Elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with perfectly seasoned chicken that bursts with mouthwatering flavors.”
INGREDIENTS FOR SPICY CHICKEN BRINE:
– 2 quarts hot water
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– Juice and rind of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce
– Fresh rosemary sprigs
– Garlic cloves
– Peppercorns
1. Pour 2 quarts of hot water into a large pan or bowl.
2. Add kosher salt and brown sugar to the water, whisk until dissolved.
3. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the brine mixture and add the lemon rind.
4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of hot sauce.
5. Place fresh rosemary sprigs, garlic cloves, and peppercorns into the brine mixture.
6. Lower the chicken into the brine, ensuring it is completely submerged.
7. Cover the pan or bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, up to six hours.
Note: If you are not cooking the chicken until the next day, drain the chicken from the brine and store it in a covered dish or zip-top bag in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
For grilling:
- Rub softened butter under the chicken’s skin and in its cavity.
- Sprinkle dry rub over all sides of the chicken skin.
- Cook chicken over indirect fire on a grill set to 350°F for approximately one hour with hickory or pecan wood for added smoke flavor.
For oven roasting:
- Place the chicken on a wire rack set in a roasting pan and bake at 375°F for approximately one hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is deep golden brown.
Note: Cooled chicken can be wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat leftover chicken by placing it in a covered skillet with chicken broth or a bit of water over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. The chicken carcass can be used to make homemade chicken broth for soups, chili, and casseroles.
Enjoy this spicy chicken brine recipe for juicy and flavorful grilled, smoked, roasted, or fried chicken!
HOW TO MAKE SPICY CHICKEN BRINE:
To make the spicy chicken brine, start by pouring 2 quarts of hot water into a large pan or bowl. Add kosher salt and brown sugar to the water and whisk until the sugar and salt dissolve. Squeeze lemon juice into the brine and add the lemon rind for extra flavor. Refrigerate the brine for at least one hour or up to 6 hours before cooking.
Once the chicken has marinated in the brine, remove it from the liquid and let any excess drain in a colander. Discard the brine solution. Pat dry the chicken with paper towels and place it on a baking sheet.
Rub softened butter under the skin of the chicken and in its cavity. Sprinkle a dry rub over all sides of the chicken’s skin. Truss or tie up the chicken legs and wings if desired.
Cook the chicken over indirect fire on a grill heated to 350° for about one hour, keeping the grill closed during cooking. Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh using a digital meat thermometer. Continue cooking until it reaches 165°.
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
HOW TO COOK BRINED CHICKEN:
Brining chicken is a great way to add flavor and ensure juicy, tender meat. Here are the steps to cook brined chicken:
1. After brining the chicken, remove it from the brine solution and drain it in a colander.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Rub softened butter under the skin and in the cavity of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle a dry rub over the chicken skin on all sides.
5. Truss or tie up the chicken legs and wings if desired.
6. Cook the chicken over indirect fire on a 350° grill with hickory or pecan for smoke flavor.
7. Close the grill and continue cooking for 1 hour.
8. Use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken near the thickest part of the thigh. It should reach 165°.
9. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
This method can also be used for oven roasting by placing the brined chicken on a wire rack set in a roasting pan and baking at 375° for one hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° with a golden brown skin.
TO GRILL:
Grilling chicken is a popular method for cooking, as it adds a delicious smoky flavor to the meat. To grill chicken using the spicy chicken brine recipe, start by preparing a grill fire to a temperature of 350°F. Use hickory or pecan wood chips for added smoke flavor.
Once the grill is ready, remove the chicken from the brine and drain in a colander. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a baking sheet. Rub softened butter under the skin and in the cavity of the chicken to add moisture and flavor.
Next, sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken skin on all sides. Truss or tie up the chicken legs and wings if desired for even cooking.
Place the chicken on the grill over indirect heat, with the grill closed. Cook for approximately one hour, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows for juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Grilled spicy brined chicken can be served as is or used in various recipes such as salads, sandwiches, or tacos. Enjoy!
FOR OVEN ROASTED CHICKEN:
To oven roast the chicken, start by cooking the chicken on a wire rack placed in a roasting pan for approximately 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°. This method helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and retains its moisture. Once cooked, you can store any leftover chicken wrapped in plastic wrap or a zip top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a covered pan with some chicken broth or water over medium heat until heated through.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT:
To store leftover chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a zip top bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can use a covered skillet with chicken broth or a bit of water over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the chicken is heated through.
It is also recommended to keep the chicken carcass to make homemade chicken broth, which adds great flavor to dishes like Chicken Chili, soups, and casseroles. The process of making homemade chicken broth is simple and can be done using the leftover bones from the cooked chicken.
Overall, this spicy chicken brine recipe is versatile and can be used for grilling, smoking, baking, or frying whole chickens or chicken pieces. It produces juicy and tender chicken with tons of flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy meal prep option or a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
RECIPES USING LEFTOVER CHICKEN:
1. Chicken Chili: Use the leftover chicken to make a delicious and hearty chicken chili. Simply shred the chicken and add it to a pot with diced tomatoes, beans, onions, garlic, and your favorite spices. Let it simmer for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Chicken Soup: Transform your leftover chicken into a comforting and nourishing soup. Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a pot. Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, and any additional vegetables or noodles you desire. Simmer until everything is cooked through and enjoy a bowl of homemade chicken soup.
3. Chicken Casserole: Whip up a tasty chicken casserole using your leftover chicken. Combine shredded chicken with cooked pasta, vegetables like broccoli or peas, and a creamy sauce made from cheese or cream of mushroom soup. Top it off with breadcrumbs or cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
4. Chicken Salad: Make a refreshing salad using your leftover chicken. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix it with mayonnaise, chopped celery, grapes or apples for sweetness, and some herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor. Serve on top of lettuce leaves or in sandwiches for a satisfying meal.
SPICY CHICKEN BRINE
Spicy chicken brine is a simple and delicious way to add flavor to whole chicken or chicken pieces. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, roasting, or frying your chicken, this brine will ensure that it turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s a pantry-friendly recipe that uses common ingredients to create the most amazing chicken you’ve ever tasted.
To make the brine, start by pouring 2 quarts of hot water into a large pan or bowl. Add kosher salt and brown sugar, whisking until they dissolve. Squeeze lemon juice and add both the juice and rind to the brine. Refrigerate the brine for at least one hour or up to 6 hours before cooking.
After refrigerating, remove the chicken from the brine and drain in a colander. Discard the brine solution. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a baking sheet. Rub softened butter under the skin and in the cavity of the chicken. Sprinkle a dry rub over the chicken skin on all sides.
If you’re grilling your chicken, prepare a grill fire to 350° with hickory or pecan for smoke flavor. Cook the chicken over indirect fire with the grill closed for one hour. Use a digital meat thermometer to check if it has reached an internal temperature of 165° in the thickest part of the thigh near the bone.
If you’re roasting your chicken in an oven, cook it on a wire rack set in a roasting pan at 375° for one hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° and has deep golden brown skin.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before serving. Leftover cooked chicken can be wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a covered skillet with chicken broth or water over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
This spicy chicken brine is perfect for whole chickens, chicken pieces, turkeys, and turkey breasts. It produces juicy, tender chicken with tons of flavor. Whether you’re making breaded chicken, Nashville hot chicken, or using rotisserie chicken for meal prep, this brine will take your dishes to the next level.
INGREDIENTS
– 2 quarts hot water
– 1 cup kosher salt
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 lemon, juiced and rind grated
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce
– 4 sprigs rosemary
– 4 cloves garlic, smashed
– 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
– Whole chicken or chicken pieces (enough to serve)
– Butter, softened
– Dry rub seasoning of choice (enough to coat chicken)
FOR THE SPICY CHICKEN BRINE
The spicy chicken brine is a simple recipe that uses pantry ingredients to add flavor to whole chicken or chicken pieces. Whether you plan on grilling, smoking, roasting, or frying the chicken, this brine will ensure that it turns out tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
To make the brine, start by pouring 2 quarts of hot water into a large pan or bowl. Add kosher salt and brown sugar to the water and whisk until they dissolve. Squeeze lemon juice into the brine and add the lemon rind as well. Refrigerate the brine for at least one hour or up to 6 hours before cooking.
When you’re ready to cook the chicken, remove it from the brine and drain it in a colander. Discard the brine solution. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a baking sheet.
For added flavor, rub softened butter under the skin and in the cavity of the chicken. Sprinkle a dry rub over the chicken skin on all sides. If desired, truss or tie up the chicken legs and wings.
Cook the chicken over indirect fire on a 350° grill with hickory or pecan for smoke flavor. Keep the grill closed for about an hour, then check the internal temperature of the chicken using a digital meat thermometer near the thickest part of the thigh. Continue cooking until it reaches 165°.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
FOR THE CHICKEN:
Spicy Chicken Brine is a great way to add flavor to whole chicken or chicken pieces that are grilled, smoked, roasted or fried. A simple recipe with pantry ingredients that will make the most tender, juicy and flavorful chicken you’ve ever tasted. We have smoked chicken or grilled chicken on the menu at least once a week and the key to the best tasting chicken is to brine it.
To save time and money we also love this Meal Prep Chicken recipe. If you are not cooking the chicken until the next day, go ahead and drain the chicken and place in a zip top bag or covered dish in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Brining overnight can result in the chicken being too salty.
Place chicken on a wire rack set in a roasting pan and bake at 375° for one hour or until internal temperature reaches 165° and the roast chicken skin is deep golden brown. Cooled chicken can be wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a zip top bag in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Chicken can be whole or removed from the bones.
Reheat leftover chicken in a covered skillet with chicken broth or a bit of water over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Keep the chicken carcass to make homemade chicken broth. It’s so simple to make and adds great flavor to your favorite Chicken Chili, soups and casseroles.
Wet brine chicken produces juicy tender chicken that has tons of flavor. Adding hot sauce to the brine adds just a touch of heat without being overly spicy. Use this recipe for breaded chicken or Nashville hot chicken. It’s great for frying chicken breast, chicken thighs or for making chicken wings.
Rotisserie chicken makes a convenient meal for busy weeknights but we love to make our whole chickens on the grill over the weekend to make easy meal prep for quick dinners throughout the week. This spicy chicken brine recipe is the best way to ensure cook the most amazing chicken that is juicy and delicious whether you grill it, roast it or deep fry it.
Loving the heat for this recipe and the rosemary added is perfect! This is so good! It turned out really amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe! This transformed my chicken into complete amazingness!
INSTRUCTIONS
To prepare the spicy chicken brine, pour 2 quarts of hot water into a large pan or bowl. Whisk in kosher salt and brown sugar until dissolved. Squeeze lemon juice and add both the juice and rind to the brine. Refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 6 hours before cooking.
After brining, remove the chicken from the brine and drain in a colander. Discard the brine solution. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a baking sheet.
Rub softened butter under the chicken skin and in its cavity. Sprinkle dry rub over the chicken skin on all sides. Truss or tie up the chicken legs and wings if desired.
For oven roasting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack set in a roasting pan and bake for one hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken skin is deep golden brown.
If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can store it wrapped in plastic wrap or in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a covered skillet with either chicken broth or water over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
To make homemade chicken broth from the carcass of your cooked chicken, simply keep it and use it later for adding flavor to dishes like Chicken Chili, soups, and casseroles.
This spicy chicken brine recipe is perfect for grilling, smoking, baking, or frying whole chickens or pieces of chicken. It produces juicy tender meat that is full of flavor. Enjoy!
NOTES
– Spicy Chicken Brine is a versatile recipe that can be used for whole chickens, chicken pieces, or even turkey.
– It is important to brine the chicken for at least one hour, but no more than 6 hours, to prevent it from becoming too salty.
– After brining, the chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking.
– Leftover chicken can be reheated in a covered skillet with chicken broth or water over medium heat until heated through.
– The carcass of the chicken can be used to make homemade chicken broth, which adds great flavor to soups and casseroles.
– Wet brining produces juicy and tender chicken with lots of flavor.
– This recipe is also great for breaded chicken or Nashville hot chicken.
– Rotisserie chicken makes a convenient meal option for busy weeknights.
– Oven roasting instructions are provided as an alternative cooking method.
– Nutritional information provided is estimated and may not be accurate.
NUTRITION INFORMATION:
The nutrition information for this spicy chicken brine recipe is estimated and may not be completely accurate. However, when prepared according to the recipe, the brined chicken will be tender, juicy, and flavorful. The addition of hot sauce adds a touch of heat without being overly spicy.
YIELD:
This spicy chicken brine recipe yields tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken that can be used for whole chickens or chicken pieces. Whether you grill, smoke, roast, or fry the chicken, this brine will enhance its flavor and texture. The pantry ingredients used in this simple recipe make it easy to prepare a delicious meal that your whole family will love.
If you’re looking to save time and money, try using this brine for meal prep chicken. You can drain the chicken and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook it the next day. However, be cautious not to brine the chicken overnight as it may result in overly salty meat.
Not only is this spicy chicken brine great for pieces of chicken, but also for whole turkeys or turkey breasts. Simply place the chicken on a wire rack set in a roasting pan and bake at 375°F for about an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin turns a deep golden brown.
Cooled leftover chicken can be wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use a covered skillet with some chicken broth or water over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
In addition to making delicious meals, don’t forget to keep the chicken carcass to make homemade chicken broth. This broth can add great flavor to your favorite dishes such as Chicken Chili, soups, and casseroles.
The wet brine method used in this recipe ensures that your chicken remains juicy and tender while imparting tons of flavor. Adding hot sauce to the brine gives just a touch of heat without being overly spicy. You can use this recipe for breaded chicken or Nashville hot chicken as well. It’s perfect for frying chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or making chicken wings.
If you’re looking for a convenient meal for busy weeknights, try using rotisserie chicken. However, if you prefer to make your own whole chickens on the grill over the weekend, it can provide easy meal prep for quick dinners throughout the week.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave a comment and a five-star review. Also, be sure to help me share it on Pinterest! This spicy chicken brine recipe is the best way to ensure that you cook the most amazing and delicious chicken whether you grill it, roast it, or deep fry it.
Oven roasting instructions: Cook the chicken on a wire rack placed in a roasting pan for about an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Leftover chicken can be wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use a covered pan with some chicken broth or water over medium heat until heated through.
Nutritional information provided is estimated and may not be accurate.
SERVING SIZE:
The serving size for this spicy chicken brine recipe will depend on how much chicken you are preparing. The recipe calls for 2 quarts of hot water, which can be used to brine multiple pieces of chicken or a whole chicken. You can adjust the amount of water and ingredients based on the amount of chicken you are cooking.
The preparation time for this spicy chicken brine recipe is relatively quick and easy. It takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare the brine mixture by dissolving kosher salt and brown sugar in hot water, adding lemon juice and rind, rosemary, garlic, peppercorns, and hot sauce. After preparing the brine, you will need to refrigerate it for at least one hour or up to 6 hours before using it to brine the chicken.
The cooking time for this spicy chicken brine recipe will vary depending on how you choose to cook the chicken. If you are roasting the chicken in the oven, it typically takes about 1 hour at a temperature of 375°F. If you are grilling the chicken over indirect fire on a grill with a temperature of 350°F, it also takes about 1 hour. In both cases, you should check the internal temperature of the chicken using a digital meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F before removing from heat.
Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in a zip top bag for up to 3 days. To reheat leftover chicken, place it in a covered skillet with some broth or water over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
This spicy chicken brine recipe can be used for various types of chicken dishes. You can use it to brine whole chickens, chicken pieces, turkey breasts, or even turkey. The brined chicken can be grilled, smoked, roasted, or fried depending on your preference. Additionally, you can modify the recipe by adding different spices or seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.
– If you are not cooking the chicken until the next day, drain the brined chicken and store it in a zip top bag or covered dish in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Brining overnight can result in the chicken being too salty.
– To add a touch of heat without being overly spicy, you can add hot sauce to the brine mixture.
– Make sure to pat dry the chicken after removing it from the brine before cooking to ensure a crispy skin.
– Save the chicken carcass to make homemade chicken broth for soups and other recipes.
– This recipe is also suitable for meal prep as cooked and cooled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In conclusion, chicken brine is a simple yet effective technique to enhance the flavor and juiciness of grilled chicken. By soaking the chicken in a flavorful mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, it not only adds moisture but also infuses delightful flavors into every bite. Incorporating brining into your grilling routine can elevate your chicken dishes to new heights, ensuring tender and succulent results every time.
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