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Brine for Chicken Wings (both fresh and frozen!) is an absolute must for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken wings!
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This is the best chicken wing brine proving a wonderful base flavor that can be layered with any sauce! It’s super easy to put together and it’ll take your wings to the next level!
If you’re looking to make the juiciest chicken wings, whether in the air fryer, the oven or traditionally fried, then you must try this brine! It’s very simple to put together, and yields a juicy wing that’ll pair well with any sauce or dry rub!
Ingredients for the chicken wing brine
This brine is so easy, and really truly customizable. If there’s an ingredient that you don’t have (aside from water, sugar, and salt), it can likely be substituted with something else or left out. So if you don’t have fresh thyme? No problem, use a pinch of dry thyme or even swap it for rosemary.
For this recipe you’ll need:
- Water
- Salt
- Sugar
- Spices
- Lemon Juice
- Thyme
- Peppercorns
- Soy sauce
To make the brine, you'll simply combine all of these ingredients in a large pot over medium heat and whisk until the salt and sugar dissolves! Easy!
Is it worth brining chicken wings?
Whether fresh or frozen, it’s a good idea to throw your chicken wings into a brine. After you try it, it’s not likely that you’ll ever go back! Especially if you’re using an air fryer to make your chicken wings.
Chicken wings don’t have very much meat on them, so brining infuses extra flavor and moisture–adding a serious wow factor.
FAQ
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU BRINE CHICKEN WINGS
This just depends on how far in advance you’re prepping, but 4 hours is the minimum you’ll want to brine your wings. Up to 24 hours will give you the best results, though!
IS 2 HOURS LONG ENOUGH TO BRINE CHICKEN WINGS?
If that’s all the time that you have, it’ll work!
CAN YOU BRINE CHICKEN WINGS FOR 24 HOURS?
24 hours is the time period I recommend for brining chicken wings! They will taste delicious!
DO YOU HAVE TO RINSE THE CHICKEN WINGS AFTER BRINING?
I don’t find this to be a necessary step at all. Just pat them dry before your preferred method of preparing and cooking so that the skins can get extra crispy.
IF YOU BRINE CHICKEN WINGS CAN YOU STILL USE SAUCE?
Yes, and I recommend it!! This brine will not clash with your sauce or dry rub.
WHAT IS THE BEST BAG TO BRINE CHICKEN WINGS IN?
I like to use the bag that the wings come in (if you're buying them frozen), but you can also use a 2 gallon bag. You can find those right here.
Chicken recipes to try with this brine
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
Smoked Chicken Thighs
Brine For Chicken Wings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ - 2 pouns fresh or frozen chicken wings
- 5 cups water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup kosher salt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp peppercorns
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or other fresh herb
Instructions
- In a pot over medium heat, continuously stir all ingredients until the salt and sugar dissolves.
- Remove from the heat and cool to room temperature.
- Pour the brine into a large bag over 1 ½- 2 pounds of fresh or frozen chicken wings. Allow to rest in the refrigerator for 4-24 hours before preparing.
Notes
Nutrition
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