test new fields
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Recipe Intro From marina.chepurna
Recipe Description
The extra liquid in a container of feta works similarly to a buttermilk brine. The lactic acid in the brine breaks down the fibers of the meat so the salt can work its way in. It also helps the flavor of the garlic and spices get down into the chicken, making it some of the best chicken I've ever had!
- Ingredient Notes
- Test Kitchen Notes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
Ingredient Notes
Feta Brine
Feta brine is, of course, the key ingredient to this recipe! Make sure to get a container that’s an 8-10 ounce block of feta, that will be enough for 1 ½ pounds of chicken thighs or breasts. Be sure to reserve your feta to make salad, eggs, or pastries.
Test Kitchen Notes
The more time the better!
The longer you brine your chicken, the more flavor it will have. I recommend letting it sit in the brine overnight if you can, but for at least 6 hours at a minimum.
Use chicken thighs or breast.
I’m using chicken thighs in this recipe, but feta brined chicken breast will work the same way.
FAQs
What is feta brined chicken?
Brining is the process of combining proteins with a liquid containing a high-concentration of salt or sugar. Feta is a salty cheese, so its liquid is perfect for brining and tenderizing chicken. This feta-brined grilled chicken recipe also uses garlic and spices to help infuse flavor.
Can you cook with feta brine?
Absolutely! Soaking meats like chicken or pork in a brine intensifies the flavors and breaks down the fibers of the meat to make them super tender. You may have also heard of using pickle brine for fried chicken, it works the same way.
What can I use feta brine for?
After you use the feta cheese itself, you can use the cloudy, tangy, leftover brine for marinating poultry, mixing into pizza dough, brining fruits and vegetables, flavoring tofu, or even making salad dressings and sauces. It adds an acidic, salty taste to whatever you use it with.
Recipe Card
ingredients
For the Brined Chicken
- 1 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 garlic
ingredients
For the Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 2 pounds tomatoes
- 2 pounds small Persian cucumbers
Method
Making the Salad
Step 1
Add sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta, sliced red onion, dried mint or oregano, vinegar, and olive oil to a large bowl.
Step 2
Toss it together then season to taste with salt and pepper.
Grilling the Chicken
Step 1
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels, then lightly drizzle with a neutral oil. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes- 1 hour.
Step 2
Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 475-500F).