I discovered the art of brining turkey a few years ago and transferred the technique to roasting a whole chicken. I guarantee you will have a moist bird and rich flavorful gravy from the pan drippings. -Julie Noyes Louisville,Kentucky
Taste of Home
Brined Roasting Chicken
Taste of Home
Brined Roasting Chicken
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
80 min
Yield
8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 cups warm water
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns, crushed
- 1 tablespoon whole allspice, crushed
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 roasting chicken (6 to 7 pounds)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 3/4 to 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Directions
- For brine, combine the first 7 ingredients in a large kettle. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until salt is dissolved. Remove from the heat. Cool to room temperature.
- Remove giblets from chicken; discard. Place cold water in a 2-gallon resealable plastic bag; add chicken. Place in a roasting pan. Carefully pour cooled brine into bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, turning several times.
- Discard brine. Rinse chicken with water; pat dry. Skewer chicken openings; tie drumsticks together. Brush with oil. Place chicken in a roasting pan.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 80-90 minutes or until a thermometer reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan drippings (cover loosely with foil if chicken browns too quickly).
- Remove chicken to a serving platter and keep warm. Pour drippings and loosened browned bits into a measuring cup; skim fat and discard. Add enough broth to measure 1 cup.
- In a small saucepan, combine flour and broth mixture until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with chicken.
Nutrition Facts
6 ounces cooked chicken with about 2 tablespoons gravy: 404 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 42g protein.