Chicken Wing Brine Recipe

This Chicken Wing Brine Recipe will yield the most tender and juicy chicken wings you will ever have. Brining infuses flavor and moisture while tenderizing the meat, resulting in succulent wings perfect for any gathering, game day, or family dinner. This easy-to-follow recipe highlights the balance of sweet and spicy flavors, ensuring your chicken wings are a hit every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Tenderness: Brining ensures your chicken wings are incredibly juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender.
• Flavor Infusion: The unique combination of honey and apple cider vinegar adds a delightful sweetness and tang.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for grilling, frying, or baking, this brine works for various cooking methods.
• Simple Ingredients: You can find all the ingredients in your pantry, making this an accessible recipe.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, prepping your wings becomes a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious chicken wing brine recipe, gather the necessary tools to make your cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon for stirring
• Plastic wrap or lid

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for heating the brine mixture evenly while allowing enough space for all ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the perfect flavor balance.
• Plastic wrap or lid: Keeps your chicken wings submerged in the brine while they chill in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

This chicken wing brine will yield the most tender and juicy chicken wings you will ever have. Brining injects flavor and moisture into wings while tenderizing them, giving you succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat.

For the Brine

• 6 cups water (divided)
• 1/3 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon black pepper

For the Chicken Wings

• 3-4 lbs chicken wings

How to Make Chicken Wing Brine Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Brine Mixture

In a large pot heat 4 cups of water, salt, and honey over medium-high heat. Add the red pepper flakes, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir to combine for 3-4 minutes until everything is dissolved.

Step 2: Chill the Brine

Remove the pot from heat and pour in 2 cups of cold water to lower the temperature. Refrigerate until fully chilled. This step is crucial; avoid adding chicken wings to lukewarm water to ensure food safety.

Step 3: Submerge Chicken Wings

Once chilled, add raw chicken wings to the brine mixture. Ensure they are fully submerged. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 4 hours. After brining, discard the brine before cooking.

Step 4: Cook as Desired

After removing from brine, cook your chicken wings using your preferred method—grill, bake, or fry—and enjoy!

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT200M
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 281 kcal

How to Serve Chicken Wing Brine Recipe

Serving chicken wings brined with this flavorful recipe can elevate your meal experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these tender and juicy wings.

With Classic Dipping Sauces

• Blue Cheese Dressing: A rich and creamy sauce that complements the spicy flavor of the wings perfectly.
• Ranch Dressing: A fan favorite, ranch adds a cooling contrast to the heat of the wings.
• Honey Mustard: This sweet and tangy sauce pairs well, enhancing the honey in the brine.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Green Salad: Serve wings on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and healthy option.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw adds texture and balances the flavors.

As Part of a Platter

• Wing Platter: Create a platter with various flavors such as buffalo, BBQ, and teriyaki for guests to enjoy.
• Snack Board: Add cheese, crackers, and nuts to create an appealing snack board with your wings.

How to Perfect Chicken Wing Brine Recipe

To make sure your chicken wing brine recipe is truly perfect, follow these simple tips.

• Bold Flavor Combinations: Experiment with different spices like garlic powder or paprika to enhance the brine’s flavor profile.
• Chill Before Use: Always ensure the brine is completely chilled before adding the chicken wings for safety and optimal flavor absorption.
• Brining Time Matters: Brine for at least 2 hours but no more than 4 hours to avoid overly salty wings.
• Dry Before Cooking: Pat the wings dry after removing them from the brine for crispy skin when cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Wing Brine Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your chicken wings can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors of brined chicken wings.

1. French Fries: Crispy fries seasoned with salt are a classic choice that matches well with chicken wings.
2. Potato Wedges: Baked or fried potato wedges add heartiness and can be seasoned in various ways.
3. Vegetable Sticks: Fresh carrot and celery sticks provide crunch and freshness alongside rich wing flavors.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that balances spicy wings well.
5. Macaroni Salad: A creamy macaroni salad offers comfort and pairs nicely with spicy dishes.
6. Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans add depth while complementing savory chicken flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Brining chicken wings can elevate their flavor and juiciness, but some common mistakes can hinder your results.

• Ignoring the temperature – Always make sure the brine is fully chilled before adding the chicken wings. Adding wings to warm brine can lead to unsafe cooking conditions.
• Using too much salt – While salt is essential for brining, overdoing it can result in overly salty wings. Stick to the recommended quantity for balanced flavor.
• Not allowing enough time – Brining for less than the recommended time can result in under-seasoned wings. Aim for at least 2 hours for optimal flavor infusion.
• Skipping the discard step – After brining, it’s crucial to discard the brine rather than reusing it. This prevents any potential contamination.
• Overcrowding the pot – Ensure that the chicken wings are fully submerged in the brine. If they’re overcrowded, some may not absorb enough flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Wing Brine Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Wing Brine Recipe

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring often until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Chicken Wing Brine Recipe that might help you perfect your brining technique.

What is a Chicken Wing Brine Recipe?

A Chicken Wing Brine Recipe involves soaking chicken wings in a seasoned liquid solution that enhances their flavor and moisture content.

How long should I brine chicken wings?

For best results, brine chicken wings for at least 2 hours but no longer than 4 hours. This allows for proper flavor absorption without making them overly salty.

Can I customize my Chicken Wing Brine Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices, herbs, or different types of vinegar based on your taste preferences.

What should I do with leftover brine?

Discard any leftover brine after soaking your chicken wings since it may contain harmful bacteria from raw meat.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Wing Brine Recipe delivers tender and juicy wings that are flavorful and satisfying. You can easily customize this brine to match your taste preferences by adding different spices or herbs. Try it out for your next gathering; your guests will love how succulent these wings turn out!

Print

Chicken Wing Brine Recipe

• Author: sofia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: Varies based on method
• Total Time: 58 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Various
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Elevate your next gathering with this Chicken Wing Brine Recipe, designed to create the most tender and juicy chicken wings imaginable. By brining, you infuse the wings with flavor and moisture, resulting in succulent meat that is perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. The combination of honey and apple cider vinegar delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and tang, while the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures your chicken wings are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups water (divided)
• 1/3 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 3–4 lbs chicken wings

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat 4 cups of water, salt, and honey over medium-high heat. Add red pepper flakes, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until dissolved (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Remove from heat and mix in 2 cups of cold water to cool down the brine. Refrigerate until chilled.
3. Submerge raw chicken wings in the chilled brine, ensuring they are fully covered. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 4 hours).
4. After brining, discard the brine and cook your wings using your preferred method—grill, bake, or fry.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 281
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: For added flavor, experiment by incorporating garlic powder or smoked paprika into the brine. Always chill the brine completely before adding the chicken for optimal flavor absorption. Pat dry before cooking to achieve crispy skin.