Savory Chicken Brine

Ingredients and Weight:

• Chicken: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
• Brine Ingredients:
• Water: 2 quarts
• Table salt: 1/2 cup
• Honey: 1/4 cup
• Garlic cloves: 10-12
• Fresh rosemary: 1 sprig
• Black peppercorns: 1 tablespoon
• Bay leaves: 5-6

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 2 hours (includes brining and chilling time)
• Cooking Time: 1 hour

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add all brine ingredients. Stir until salt and honey dissolve.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and let brine cool for about 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, clean the chicken thoroughly and remove any excess fat.
4. Once the brine has cooled, place the chicken in a large container or brine bag and pour the brine over it. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 hours. The longer you brine the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove the chicken from the brine, discard the brine, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
7. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour or until cooked through and golden brown.
8. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

• Calories: Depending on the size of the chicken, the calorie count will vary. Brining adds very few calories to the overall dish.
• Protein: Chicken is a good source of protein.
• Fat: Chicken fat is healthy and provides flavor to the dish.
• Carbohydrates: The honey in the brine adds some carbs to the dish.

Dish Characteristics:

• The Savory Chicken Brine has a unique flavor combination of salty, sweet, and herbal notes from the brine ingredients.
• The chicken remains moist and tender due to the brining process.
• The dish is easy to prepare ahead of time and can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger meal.

User Comments:

• "The flavor of this chicken was amazing! The brine gave it a unique taste that I've never had before."
• "This dish was so easy to make, yet it turned out so impressive. I'll definitely make it again."
• "The chicken was so juicy and flavorful, loved the combination of flavors in the brine."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use fresh ingredients for best results.
• Adjust the seasoning of the brine according to your taste.
• Brining the chicken for a longer time will give it more flavor, but be careful not to over-brine or it may become too salty.
• Chicken size may vary, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked through.