Who has a good chicken brine recipe?

[McBroom]

I have never made a brine or even used one. I want to brine some chicken legs and smoke them for my grand daughters 1st birthday party (tomorrow 2/26/21)
I've looked a a couple of recipes online but they conflict in different ways.
Seems that the only constant is water,salt,sugar. Wife n I are both diabetic so salt n sugar are a big concern for us.
The other conflict is the brining times. I'll be smoking them for about 4.5-5 hours.
Thought about using some apple cider vinegar but unsure about how it will affect our health and taste buds.
Love me some brisket though. Chicken is not one of my favorite foods by any means but, gotta eat healthier for the grandkids
TIA
Recipes wanted Please

Claud McBroom

[Pete Mazz]

As you've read, brines are mostly salt and sugar. Why not try injecting instead. I use chicken broth, butter, hot sauce heated to melt the butter. If you want to add any other seasonings the skies the limit. Inject just before putting it in the cooker.

[JKalchik]

McBroom, I'm also a diabetic (insulin dependent.) A basic brine recipe is 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of salt and 1 gallon of water. Nearly all of the salt & sugar does end up going down the drain, you end up eating very little. I will nearly always brine chicken, it really does turn out moister & more flavorful. I don't bother allowing in my diet for the carbs in the brine. Obviously, if you and/or your wife are severely brittle, YMMV.

[Dirtytires]

Most chicken is already salt brined at the processor to increase weight and moisture in the meat. In my humble opinion, I would not see a need to brine it in the first place. I simple give mine a real light mist of olive oil and then sprinkle on a salt-free rub. Have never had a problem with them being dry.

[McBroom]

Thanks for the responses men. I really appreciate the feedback.

Claud McBroom

[Roadsterguy]

Thanks for the responses men. I really appreciate the feedback.

Claud McBroom

1gal water

¾ cup kosher salt

⅔ cup sugar

¾ cup soy sauce

¼ cup olive oil

Bring to boil, then cool to room temp and brine the bird in the fridge for 12-24 hours. This is a simple but very flavorful brine.

[RJB]

I like to smoke whole chickens and they turn out much moister if I brine them ahead of time. I usually let them sit in the brine in the refrigerator for 48 hours.

Simple brine for two whole chickens:

3 gallons water.
1 and a half cups salt
1 and a half cups sugar
1 quarter cup pepper corns
3 or 4 bay leaves

Bring to a boil, let cool, put birds in and refrigerate.

[RJB]

I like to smoke whole chickens and they turn out much moister if I brine them ahead of time. I usually let them sit in the brine in the refrigerator for 48 hours.

Simple brine for two whole chickens:

3 gallons water.
1 and a half cups salt
1 and a half cups sugar
1 quarter cup pepper corns
3 or 4 bay leaves

Bring to a boil, let cool, put birds in and refrigerate.

Here you go; made a batch of chicken brine this afternoon for two birds I'll smoke Friday.