This recipe will assist you in preparing your chicken to ensure it is juicy and flavorful if you’re wondering how to brine a chicken for smoking.
» Learn more about the 4 Best Smoker Grill Combos and our recipe for Traeger-smoked chicken.
Although brining a chicken is just one more step, it elevates the dish significantly. With only a little bit more effort, a simple brine will produce a chicken that is more juicy and tender.
The protein in all brines is affected by the large amount of salt used in their creation, giving the herbs and spices we’ve added a chance to add flavor. You’ll find it has a very nice balance of flavors.
How Brining Makes Changes For The Better in Chicken and Other Foods
A two-way transfer starts when chicken or other meat is placed in a brine solution. Protein juices are drawn out into the brine, and the brine is drawn in (along with any flavorings and additional sugar). The ultimate objective is to balance the salt content of the brine and the flesh.
As thats happening, other changes occur. The meat’s proteins change due to the salt’s ability to break them down and loosen their bonds with one another.
They sort of gel as a result, making it more difficult for moisture to escape when the chicken is cooked. When meat is cooked, sugars absorbed into the flesh retain water, keeping the meat even more moist.
Easy Smoked Chicken Brine
What You Will Need
FAQ
How long should you brine chicken breast?
Brine the chicken. 1 quart of warm water and 1/4 cup kosher salt should be added to a large bowl. Stir to combine until most of the salt is absorbed. You can either cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to 6 hours after adding the chicken breasts to the brine mixture for 15 minutes.
How long should you brine chicken?
For skinless breasts, place chicken in brine, cover, and chill for 2 hours; for bone-in pieces, chill for 4 hours to overnight; and for whole chickens, chill for 4 hours to overnight. Drain and pat the chicken dry before cooking.
Should I brine a chicken before smoking?
Yes, brining chicken meat before smoking it is a must. A good brining solution turns chicken, which is a naturally lean protein, into a juicy, flavorful delicacy. It is a tried-and-true method for preserving food’s moisture while it is exposed to the smoker’s dry heat.
Is 2 hours long enough to brine chicken?
The salt solution is higher than your typical overnight brine, so you want to make sure to keep the brining time for the chicken to a maximum of 2-3 hours at room temperature or 4-6 hours in the refrigerator.
