Perfect Chicken Wing Brine Recipe For Smoking

If you’re looking to elevate your chicken wings, brining is an excellent technique that enhances flavor and ensures juiciness. I’ve gathered some tips and a delicious recipe to help you get the most out of your chicken wings. Let’s dive into the process of brining and cooking perfect wings!

Brining Chicken Wings

Brining is soaking your chicken wings in a saltwater solution, which helps them remain moist and flavorful during cooking. Here’s a helpful image that shows the perfect brined wings:

Ingredients for Brine

To make your brine, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 cups water
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
2-3 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 bay leaf
Optional: herbs such as thyme or rosemary

Instructions for Brining Chicken Wings

Follow these easy steps to brine your chicken wings:

In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaf, and any optional herbs.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
Remove the brine from the heat and allow it to cool completely. You can speed up this process by adding ice or cold water.
Once the brine is cool, place your chicken wings in a large zip-top bag or a bowl and pour the brine over them, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.

Cooking the Brined Chicken Wings

Once you’ve finished brining, it’s time to cook your wings. Here’s a simple way to get those wings beautifully crispy:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the wings from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels.
Place the wings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not touching.
Season with your favorite spices or sauce—garlic powder, paprika, or even buffalo sauce work great.
Bake for about 40-45 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Enjoy your delicious, brined chicken wings! Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these wings are sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!