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Brined Chicken Thighs

Why will you love this recipe for brined chicken thighs? First, brining enhances the flavor and texture of the chicken. By soaking the thighs in a saltwater solution, you'll guarantee they absorb moisture, resulting in juicy and tender meat that's packed with flavor. You won't have to worry about dry chicken anymore.
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Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • - 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
  • - 4 cups water
  • - 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • - 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • - 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
  • - 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • - 1 lemon sliced
  • - Olive oil for cooking

Instructions
 

  • Cooking Instructions:
  • In a large bowl, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, crushed garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon slices. Stir until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the brine, making sure they're fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if you plan to bake the chicken. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels to guarantee a crispy skin.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  • If baking, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If grilling, transfer the chicken to the grill and cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • For best results, consider using a meat thermometer to confirm your chicken thighs reach the perfect internal temperature. Additionally, feel free to customize your brine by adding other herbs and spices to suit your taste. Experimenting with different flavors can lead to delightful variations of this dish.
  • Enjoy your tender, flavorful brined chicken thighs with your favorite sides!