Question About A Fried Chicken Recipe

[fmdog44]

To make a brine it calls for 3 1/2 gallons of water for one chicken. Bring to a boil, let it cool down the put the chicken pieces in it and let them sit in the bine for 12-24 hours. My fridge is a modern one but I don't have anything big enough for 3 1/2 gallons of water. Question: Why is so much water necessary? Why not one gallon?

 

[MarciKS]

Because the chicken will absorb some of the water during the soak. That's how it becomes more moist. You could put it in a pan the next size up from the chicken and cover the chicken with water and set your alarm for every 4 hrs and check the water level. It's a pain but, that way your bird won't dry out. Or use two smaller pans for the soak. Hope that helps.

 

[fmdog44]

Because the chicken will absorb some of the water during the soak. That's how it becomes more moist. You could put it in a pan the next size up from the chicken and cover the chicken with water and set your alarm for every 4 hrs and check the water level. It's a pain but, that way your bird won't dry out. Or use two smaller pans for the soak. Hope that helps.

Thanks

 

[MarciKS]

You're welcome.

 

[terry123]

Way too much trouble for fried chicken. I love KFC's original recipe. They have the best cole slaw and lemonade also. I have not fried chicken in years. Get a bucket of original KFC with the sides and lemonade and dinner is ready!

 

[Aunt Bea]

I would make a proportionately smaller amount of brine for a single chicken.

If you have a large ziplock bag with a tight seal you could get by with an even smaller amount of brine solution.

Put the plastic bag with the chicken and the brine solution into a roasting pan in case it develops a leak. Turn the bag every time you open the refrigerator.

Good luck!