Brined Chicken

Directions

1. 1
   Clean chicken and set innards in a medium pot 1/2 full of water.
2. 2
   Simmer on a very low flame, covered, for 1-1/2 hour.
3. 3
   Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4
   This step can wait until you put the chicken in the oven if you prefer.
5. 5
   Combine spices in a bowl large enough to cover the chicken.
6. 6
   Start with 2 cups of water and stir until salt is dissolved.
7. 7
   Place chicken in bowl, breast down, and cover with water.
8. 8
   Cover bowl with cling wrap and let soak 1 hr per pound (eg.
9. 9
   : soak a 6 pound bird for 6 hours).
10. 10
    Preheat oven to 400F.
11. 11
    Place chicken, breast side up, on a 1/2 sheet pan with wire cooking rack, filled 1/3 full with brine solution, and cook for 1-1/2 hours.
12. 12
    Remove chicken from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before cooking.