Skip to main content

Master Buttermilk Brine

Image may contain Food Dessert Yogurt Creme Cream and Ice Cream
Matt Duckor

This recipe makes enough brine for one 3½–4-pound chicken or 4 pounds of chicken pieces.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 1 quart

Ingredients

1 quart buttermilk
4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Whole chicken and/or chicken pieces

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine buttermilk, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and chill at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain before using.

  2. Curry

    Step 2

    Add 4 teaspoons curry powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, and 2 teaspoons ground turmeric.

  3. Chipotle

    Step 3

    Add 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from a can of chipotle chiles in adobo.

  4. Louisiana-Style

    Step 4

    Add 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons Tabasco, and 2 teaspoons celery seeds.

  5. Lemon-Dill

    Step 5

    Add 2 thinly sliced lemons, 4 finely grated garlic cloves, and 2 cups chopped fresh dill.

Read More
Like Greek lemon potatoes and gochujang chicken stir-fry.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Thinly sliced and cooked hot and fast, pork tenderloin is the juicy, cook-quicking weeknight champion of this vegetable-heavy stir-fry.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Add a bag of potato chips and you've got yourself a party.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like fattoush salad and strawberry shortcake roll.