Ultimate Buttermilk Brined Poultry
Elevate your poultry game with this Ultimate Buttermilk Brined Poultry recipe! This brine recipe infuses chicken or turkey with incredible flavor while ensuring it stays juicy and tender - making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. By marinating your meat in buttermilk for at least 8 hours, you'll experience a transformation that will make your poultry dishes unforgettable. Ideal for chicken thighs, legs, or even a small whole turkey, this brine can be doubled for larger birds. Optional cumin lends an exciting earthy depth, but feel free to omit it if you prefer a more straightforward flavor. Your family and friends will be begging for seconds with the juicy, mouthwatering results of this brine. Don't forget to check out my other top chicken recipes for a complete poultry experience!
N/A
Servings
130
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
buttermilk
1 quart (none)
onion
1 small (finely chopped (or use 1/2 cup chopped shallots))
fresh garlic
2 tablespoons (chopped (or use 2 teaspoons garlic powder))
kosher salt
2 tablespoons (none)
sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
cumin
1 teaspoon (optional (can use up to 1 tablespoon))
black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, finely chopped onion (or shallots), garlic, kosher salt, sugar, optional cumin, and black pepper. Whisk well until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
2
Prepare the chicken by rinsing it under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels to ensure optimal brining.
3
Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk brine, using clean hands to thoroughly coat each piece. Make sure all the chicken is well covered by the brine.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and brine to a sealed bag or container, then place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 8 hours or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
5
Once marinating is complete, remove the chicken from the brine and give it a quick rinse under cold water, if desired, to remove excess onion and garlic. Pat dry with paper towels.
6
Cook the chicken using your preferred method, be it grilling, baking, or frying, and enjoy the exceptionally juicy and flavorful results!
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
11g
Carbs
10.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Buttermilk Brined Poultry?
It is a specialized marinade recipe designed to infuse chicken or turkey with deep flavor while ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender during cooking.
What are the primary benefits of using a buttermilk brine?
The acidity in the buttermilk helps break down proteins, resulting in an exceptionally tender and moist poultry dish regardless of the cooking method.
How long should I brine the poultry for the best results?
You should allow the poultry to marinate for a minimum of 8 hours, though it can stay in the brine for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Can this brine recipe be used for a whole turkey?
Yes, it is suitable for small whole turkeys. For larger birds, you can easily double the recipe ingredients to ensure full coverage.
What is the purpose of adding cumin to the brine?
Optional cumin adds an earthy depth to the flavor profile, though it can be omitted if you prefer a more traditional buttermilk taste.
Can I substitute the onion in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute one small finely chopped onion with 1/2 cup of chopped shallots.
Is fresh garlic required for the brine?
While 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh garlic are recommended, you can substitute it with 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
How should I prepare the poultry before putting it in the brine?
Rinse the poultry under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure it is ready for optimal brining.
Should I rinse the chicken after it has finished marinating?
A quick rinse under cold water is optional if you want to remove excess onion and garlic bits, but you must pat it dry before cooking.
What cooking methods are recommended for this brined poultry?
This recipe is versatile and works perfectly for grilling, frying, or baking your poultry.
How much salt is used in this brine?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of kosher salt to be fully dissolved in the liquid.
Why is there sugar in the brine recipe?
Sugar is added to balance the salt and acidity, and it also aids in the browning and caramelization of the skin during cooking.
What is the recommended amount of buttermilk?
The recipe requires 1 quart of buttermilk as the base for the brine.
Is it necessary to whisk the brine ingredients?
Yes, you should whisk the mixture well until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved before adding the meat.
Can I brine the meat for less than 8 hours?
While you can brine for less time, the transformation of flavor and tenderness will be less effective than the recommended 8 to 24-hour window.
How many calories are in one serving of this brined poultry?
There are approximately 130 calories per serving of this recipe.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 5.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the brined poultry?
Each serving provides about 10.5 grams of protein.
Where should the meat stay while it is brining?
The poultry must always be kept in the refrigerator while it is marinating for food safety.
What type of container should I use for the brine?
You can use a large mixing bowl covered with plastic wrap, a sealed bag, or any airtight food-safe container.
Can I use this for chicken thighs and drumsticks?
Absolutely, this brine is ideal for chicken thighs and legs, helping them stay exceptionally juicy.
Can I reuse the brine for a second batch of chicken?
No, once the brine has touched raw poultry, it must be discarded and never reused for health and safety reasons.
How much black pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1.5 teaspoons of black pepper for a balanced seasoning.
What should I do after removing the meat from the brine?
Pat the meat thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear or crispiness when you begin cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for those looking for moist grilled chicken?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for grilling to prevent the meat from drying out over high heat.
How many ingredients are in the brine mixture?
The brine consists of 7 total ingredients including the optional cumin.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?
You can, but since table salt is finer, you should use slightly less than the 2 tablespoons of kosher salt called for to avoid over-salting.
Does the brine make the chicken spicy?
No, the brine is flavorful and savory but does not contain heat elements like chili, making it family-friendly.
What if I don't have buttermilk?
While the recipe specifies buttermilk for its specific acidic properties, it is the key ingredient that defines this 'Ultimate Buttermilk' recipe.