FOOD NEWS
The Reason You Should Consider An Overnight Brine For Fried Chicken
BY MATTHEW SPINA
Many cooks say they have the recipe for the best fried chicken, but a trick that makes any recipe better is brining the meat overnight to make it as moist and as tasty as possible.
An overnight wet brine is an ideal option, helping the chicken absorb liquid so it retains extra moisture when fried, as well as flavor from the salt and flavorings in the brine.
For a basic brine, start with 4 tablespoons of salt dissolved in 4 cups of water. This should be enough brine to submerge one whole chicken, cut into pieces.
Submerge your chicken pieces into the brine, cover the container, and leave the whole thing in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with your recipe.
To change things up, try a buttermilk brine with cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano. Pickle juice is a popular brine in the South, being salty, acidic, and flavorful.
Some brown sugar or honey can add a hint of sweetness, and hot sauce will add extra flavor and tang in addition to spice. Don’t be afraid to experiment with all sorts of flavors.