Why Should You Soak Chicken from the Store in Salt Water?

Why Chicken Deserves a Brine

Chicken shows up on my table almost every week. Whether it’s a quick midweek stir-fry, a weekend roast, or marinated wings on a lazy Sunday, it always finds a place on my menu. Over time, I discovered a simple kitchen hack that transforms ordinary chicken into something spectacular: brining.

I first tried brining while perfecting my Thanksgiving turkey. The results blew me away. Since then, I’ve brined everything, especially chicken. It’s easy, effective, and guarantees juicy, flavorful meat.

What is Brining?

Brining is soaking chicken in a solution of salt and water. The salt works its magic by breaking down proteins in the meat, allowing it to retain moisture. The result? Chicken that stays juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.

Why Brine Chicken?

1. Juiciness: Brining prevents chicken from drying out, especially the lean breast meat.

2. Flavor: The brine infuses the chicken from the inside. You can add herbs, spices, or even sugar to create a perfectly seasoned bird.

3. Tenderness: Salt softens muscle fibers, giving even tougher cuts a more tender texture.

Do You Really Need to Brine?

If you want truly moist, flavorful chicken, brining is a game-changer. However, if you’re short on time, it’s okay to skip it. The chicken will still taste good—but it won’t have that extra oomph.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brining Chicken

1. Choose Your Chicken: Whole chicken, breasts, thighs, or wings—all work. Adjust brining time based on size.

2. Prepare the Brine: Combine 1 cup salt per gallon of water. Add sugar, herbs, spices, or aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, or rosemary for extra flavor.

3. Dissolve the Salt: Heat about 1/4 of the water and dissolve the salt (and sugar if using). Mix with the remaining cold water to cool the brine.

4. Submerge the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large, non-reactive container and cover it with brine. Ensure it’s fully submerged.

5. Refrigerate: Brine times vary:

Whole chicken: 8-12 hours
Chicken pieces: 1-2 hours
Chicken breasts: 30 minutes–1 hour

6. Rinse and Dry: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry. This helps the skin crisp during cooking.

7. Cook as Desired: Roast, grill, fry, or bake. Brined chicken guarantees superior results.

Brining Tips

Cold vs. Warm Water: Always cool the brine before adding the chicken to prevent bacterial growth.
Don’t Over-Brine: Excessive brining can make chicken salty and mushy. Stick to recommended times.
Freezing Brined Chicken: After rinsing and drying, freeze chicken in a labeled, freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge when ready to cook. Brining benefits remain intact.

The Takeaway

Brining is a simple technique that elevates everyday chicken into something juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Next time you have extra time and a chicken ready for dinner, give it a soak—you’ll notice the difference in every bite.