Ingredients

• 5 ounces kosher salt (1 cup Diamond Crystal or 1/2 cup Morton)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• Juice from 1 halved lemon
• 1 lemon
• Two (2 1/2-pound) chickens

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Instructions

1. Combine 5 ounces kosher salt (1 cup Diamond Crystal or 1/2 cup Morton), 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon black peppercorns in a large pot. Squeeze in juice from 1 halved lemon and add lemon to pot along with 2 quarts water. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve salt and sugar. Remove pot from heat and stir in 2 quarts ice water. Add one or two 2 1/2-pound chickens to brine, weight with a plate to keep submerged, if needed, and cover. Chill 12–24 hours.
2. Remove chickens from brine; pat dry. Place in a large baking dish and chill, uncovered, 3–12 hours (longer is better) to dry skin (this results in a crispier bird).