Brined Roast Chicken (A Mouthwatering Feast Fit For Royalty)

Hey there, foodies!

Today, I want to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes that never fails to impress: Brined Roast Chicken.

If you’re looking to elevate your chicken game to a whole new level of tenderness and flavor, then brining is the secret ingredient you’ve been missing!

Now, you might be wondering, “What is brining, and why does it make a difference?” Well, let me break it down for you.

Brining is a simple technique where we soak the chicken in a solution of water, salt, and sometimes additional spices or herbs.

This process not only infuses the meat with extra moisture but also imparts a fantastic taste that goes deep into every juicy bite.

I discovered the wonders of brining quite by accident during a culinary experiment in my own kitchen.

Since then, I’ve never looked back!

It’s amazing how such a straightforward step can transform an ordinary roast chicken into a succulent and mouthwatering masterpiece.

So, if you’re ready to take your roast chicken to new heights, join me as we dive into the world of brining and learn how this technique can turn an everyday meal into a gastronomic delight!

Let’s get cooking!

The Art of Brining for Brined Roast Chicken

Ingredients for the Brine

To create the perfect brine, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen:

• Water: About 1 gallon of cold water will be enough to submerge the chicken completely.

• Salt: Opt for kosher or sea salt, avoiding iodized salt, as it may give an off-flavor to the chicken.
  
  Approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup of salt, depending on your taste preferences and the size of the chicken.

• Optional Sweetener: To balance the saltiness, you can add a sweetener like sugar or honey. Around 1/4 cup should suffice.

• Herbs and Spices (Optional): While the salt and sugar are enough to brine the chicken, you can elevate the flavors with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, garlic, peppercorns, or bay leaves.

Brine Preparation and Process

In a large container or a food-grade plastic bag, combine the cold water, salt, sweetener (if using), and any desired herbs and spices.

Stir well until the salt and sweetener are fully dissolved.

Place the raw chicken into the brine solution, ensuring it is fully submerged. If needed, weigh the chicken down with a heavy plate to keep it submerged.

Cover the container or seal the bag and refrigerate for the recommended brining time.

For a whole chicken, brining usually takes around 12 to 24 hours. For smaller pieces like chicken breasts or thighs, a shorter brining time of 4 to 6 hours is sufficient.

How Long to Brine the Chicken

The brining time depends on the size of the chicken and your personal preference. Longer brining periods will result in a more intense flavor and juicier meat.

However, be cautious not to over-brine, as the meat can become too salty. As a general rule of thumb:

• Whole Chicken: 12 to 24 hours

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: 4 to 6 hours

Remember, patience is key when brining. The results will be well worth the wait!

Personally, I love to brine my chicken for a full 24 hours.

This extended period allows the flavors to meld together and guarantees an incredibly tender and savory roast chicken that leaves my guests raving!

Preparing the Chicken for Roasting

Once the chicken has luxuriated in the brine and absorbed all those fantastic flavors, it’s time to get it ready for its journey to the oven.

This step ensures that your roast chicken not only tastes amazing but also looks picture-perfect when it comes out of the oven.

Removing the Chicken from the Brine

Carefully remove the chicken from the brine and place it on a clean cutting board.

Allow any excess brine to drip off, and discard the brine—no need to keep it once the chicken has been submerged in it.

Patting Dry and Seasoning

Using paper towels, gently pat the chicken dry. This step is crucial to achieving crispy skin during roasting.

Absorbing excess moisture helps the skin brown beautifully in the oven.

Now, for the seasoning part, you have two options:

• You can keep it simple by seasoning with just a little freshly ground black pepper and leaving the rest of the flavoring to the brine.
  
  This allows the brine’s taste to shine through and provides a well-balanced result.
  
• If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add more layers of flavor, you can create a dry rub using your favorite herbs and spices.
  
  A combination of garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme works wonders. Gently rub the mixture over the chicken skin, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
  

Optional Herbs and Spices for Added Flavor

If you used simple seasoning and want to give your roast chicken an extra boost of aroma, consider adding some fresh herbs and aromatics.

Stuff the chicken cavity with a bundle of fresh thyme, rosemary sprigs, garlic cloves, and a halved lemon.

As the chicken roasts, it will absorb the fragrant essences of these herbs, imparting even more mouthwatering goodness.

For example, I love to use a blend of black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika as my dry rub.

It adds a nice kick of spiciness and complements the brine’s flavors beautifully.

Additionally, I stuff the cavity with fresh rosemary and garlic to infuse the meat with an enticing herbal aroma.

Mastering the Roasting Process for Brined Roast Chicken

This is the moment we’ve been eagerly waiting for—the roasting of our brined chicken!

Preparing the perfect roast requires just a bit of patience and a whole lot of excitement.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of succulent chicken slowly turning golden brown.

Preheating the Oven and Choosing the Right Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). The high temperature creates a beautiful crispiness on the skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.

Next, select the right roasting pan for the job.

I prefer a heavy-duty roasting pan with a roasting rack, as it allows the chicken to cook evenly and ensures that the skin gets perfectly crispy all around.

If you don’t have a roasting rack, no worries! You can still use a regular baking dish, and the results will be just as delicious.

Properly Positioning the Chicken in the Pan

Now, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the roasting pan. If you opted for the herb and aromatics stuffing, make sure they are inside the cavity.

Pro Tip: For even roasting, tuck the wingtips under the chicken’s back, and tie the legs together using kitchen twine.

This technique helps the chicken cook more evenly and keeps everything in a neat and tidy package.

Roasting Time and Temperature Guidelines

The cooking time for your Brined roast chicken depends on its size. As a general rule, roast the chicken for about 20 minutes per pound (450 grams).

However, it’s crucial to check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.

When the chicken is fully cooked, the juices should run clear, and the skin should be a beautiful golden color.

Personally, I find that roasting a 5-pound (2.3 kg) chicken for about 1 hour and 40 minutes results in perfection.

The aroma that fills the kitchen during this time is nothing short of heavenly!

Checking for Doneness

Visual cues are helpful, but to be absolutely sure that your chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer.

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding contact with the bones.

When the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C), congratulations! Your Brined roast chicken is ready to be admired and savored.

Resting the Chicken Before Carving

As tempting as it may be to dig in right away, exercise a little patience and allow the chicken to rest for about 15 minutes after roasting.

This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and bursting with flavor.

Personally, I’ve had moments of impatience when the aroma of freshly roasted chicken fills my kitchen.

But trust me, the wait is well worth it! The resting process ensures that all the savory goodness stays locked within the meat, making each morsel tender and moist.

While the chicken is resting, take a moment to appreciate your culinary masterpiece and bask in the mouthwatering anticipation of the feast ahead.

Make a Feast Fits for Royalty and Get Your Free Meal Prep Plan

And there you have it, dear foodies—my delicious adventure into the world of Brined Roast Chicken!

From the moment we immersed the chicken in the flavorful brine to the mouthwatering aromas that filled my kitchen while it roasted to perfection, this journey has been nothing short of magical.

The art of brining has taken the roast chicken game to new heights, unlocking a treasure trove of tenderness and taste that leaves a lasting impression on every palate.

Now, I invite you to embark on this culinary expedition yourself and get your free meal prep plan now.

Gather your ingredients, prepare the brine, and let the magic unfold as you roast the chicken to golden perfection.

The aroma that fills your home will entice your family and friends to the table, eager to savor every succulent bite.

But why stop at just one delightful meal?

With the knowledge you’ve gained from this brining adventure, consider incorporating it into your meal prep routine.

By incorporating brining into your culinary repertoire, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can elevate the flavors of various dishes.

The tender, juicy results will have everyone wondering what your secret is!

So, what are you waiting for? Unleash your inner chef, embrace the art of brining, and indulge in a feast fit for royalty.

Remember, this is just the beginning of your culinary journey.

Keep exploring, experimenting, and adding your personal touch to create unforgettable meals that bring joy to your table. Happy cooking!

FAQ’s

Do you rinse brined chicken before roasting?

Keep the bird in the fridge for the majority of the time, but let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes prior to roasting. 

Rinse off the brine and pat it as dry as possible before cooking.

Does brined chicken need seasoning?

Do you season after brining? You can absolutely season your meat after brining. Keep in mind that the brine is very salt-rich, so you won’t need to add any extra salt.

Feel free to season it with your favorite dry rub after brining.

Will brined chicken taste salty?

In fact, any meat that’s brined for too long will dry out and start to taste salty as the salt ends up pulling liquid out of the muscle fibers.