Easy Eats Recipe: Brined barbecued chicken breasts

Brining is the secret to succulent chicken breasts, whether you cook them on the barbecue or in the oven. Photo: Kelly Gibney

Brining is the secret to incredibly tender and tasty barbecued chicken breasts. Soaking the meat in brine before cooking locks moisture in, tenderises and seasons the chicken all the way through. The brine can be as simple as just salt and water, or you can add citrus, herbs or aromatics for even more flavour

Ingredients

1 litre water

3 Tbsp table salt

up to 4 chicken breasts

Method

Place the water and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until completely dissolved. Add any additions if using (see below). Add chicken breasts. There must be enough space so that every piece is completely submerged.

Soak for as little as 1 hour and up to 3 hours (4 hours at absolute maximum). Remove from the brine and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

Drizzle generously with oil before cooking on the barbecue. Chicken breasts will usually take 14-16 minutes (turning once) depending on size of portion. Check that chicken is no longer pink in the middle or use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 75 degrees celsius. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Flavour additions

Citrus: Slice fruit and add to your brine for a bright note

Herbs: Very aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme and oregano all work well. Roughly a small handful will be enough.

Peppercorns: 1-2 tablespoons of whole peppercorns add brilliant flavour to a brine

Garlic: Smash 3-4 cloves of garlic with the widest end of your knife and throw into the brine. Alternatively, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder works well too.

Sugar: Sugar can help balance out the flavor nicely and also help with browning. Once tablespoon will do it.

Cooks note: Outside of BBQ season, you can bake brined chicken breasts in the oven. Cook at 200 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

Photo: Kelly Gibney

Kelly Gibney is an Auckland-based food writer, photographer and cookbook author. Her latest book ENJOY: Food worth sharing with the people you love shares delicious and achievable ideas for making every meal memorable. She also shares weekly recipes via her newsletter.