Easy Chicken And Cheez It Recipe For Quick Meals

Are you looking for a delicious and simple way to prepare a whole chicken for dinner? This recipe will have your taste buds dancing with its flavorful brine, making the chicken juicy and tender. Let’s dive into how you can impress your family and friends with a mouthwatering chicken dinner that is easy to prepare!

Brined Whole Chicken

To start off, let’s prepare the brine. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with moisture and flavor, ensuring a stunning meal that is far from dry.

Brined Whole Chicken ### Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup sugar
8 cups water
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon rosemary, finely chopped
1 lemon, sliced

Instructions

In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, sugar, black peppercorns, crushed garlic, thyme, rosemary, and lemon slices. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar fully dissolve.
Remove the pot from heat and allow the brine to cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by adding ice to the brine.
Once the brine is cool, place the whole chicken in a large container or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the brine over the chicken, making sure it’s fully submerged. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
Place the chicken on a roasting pan. Season generously with black pepper and any additional herbs you enjoy.
Roast in the preheated oven for around 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through for added flavor and moisture.
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This ensures the juices are locked in!
Serve your perfectly roasted, brined chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner!

This brined whole chicken is so flavorful that it will become a go-to recipe for your dinner table. Pair it with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to share it with loved ones!