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
- 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
- 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).
- Remove from heat and mix in 2 cups of cold water to cool down the brine. Refrigerate until chilled.
- 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).
- 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.