BHA & BHT Free Buttermilk Brine
Tangy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy, this buttermilk brine transforms chicken into something genuinely craveable before it ever hits the heat. The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne builds serious depth, while the buttermilk works its magic to tenderize the meat from the inside out. For anyone avoiding BHA and BHT, store-bought marinades and seasoning blends can be a minefield of synthetic preservatives hiding in plain sight — this brine sidesteps all of that with a short list of clean, recognizable pantry staples. Every ingredient here is straightforward and easy to verify, so you're in full control of what goes into your food. It works beautifully on bone-in thighs, drumsticks, breasts, or even a whole spatchcocked bird, making it as versatile as it is simple. Give it a full 24 hours in the fridge if you can — the longer soak pays off in flavor and juiciness that's hard to beat.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together the buttermilk, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne and hot sauce, if using, in a large bowl until the salt is fully dissolved.
- 2
Add up to 4 lbs of chicken pieces (bone-in thighs, drumsticks, breasts, or a spatchcocked whole bird) to the brine, turning to coat thoroughly. Transfer to a large zip-top bag or keep in the bowl covered tightly with plastic wrap.
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