Master Buttermilk Brine

For deeply flavored chicken, use a salt-and-buttermilk brine.

Classic Brine - This recipe makes enough brine for one 1.5-2KG of chicken or chicken pieces.

Ingredients

Makes 1 Liter

  • 1 Liter Buttermilk

  • 4 teaspoons salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1.5-2KG chicken

Preparation

  • Combine buttermilk, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag or bowl with cover/wrap.

  • Add chicken and chill allowing it to soak for at least 8 hours and up to 24; rinse off the brine at the end.

  • Optional:

    • For a Spicey Louisiana Brine; add 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, and 2 teaspoons celery seeds.

    • For a Chipotle Brine; add a chipotle pepper and 2 tablespoons of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle chiles in adobo.

    • For a Lemon-Dill Brine; add 2 thinly sliced lemons, 4 finely grated garlic cloves, and 2 cups chopped fresh dill.

    • For a Buttermilk - Pickle Juice Brine; whisk together 2 cups of pickle juice, 2 cups of buttermilk & 4 tsp salt

    • For a quicker brine; use 2 Liters of water with ½ cup each of salt and sugar – but don’t let it sit more than an hour or it will get very salty!