Can I over-brine chicken breasts?

Question

I set some chicken breasts to brine for a few hours in leftover pickle juice. The juice is very spicy, it's from an empty can of McClure's Spicy Spears. Can I leave them for 24 hours in the fridge or will they be too hot/salty? We planned on cooking tonight but might not be able to any more.

boulangere · Answer

Brining, in the presence of an acid, is designed to tenderize proteins. But too much is too much. More than probably 12 hours in your pickle juice, which is high in acidic vinegars, may result in your chicken breasts being mushy rather than tender once cooked.

ChefJune · Answer

Yes you can over-brine anything! I would probably take them out of the brine and refrigerate them until tomorrow.

Tony S. · Answer

I regularly brine chicken breasts in pickle juice and leave them in the liquid for just about 24 hours without issue...

Cheazza · Answer

Thanks Susan!

BakerRB · Answer

Yes, I think they can be over-brined.  I haven't had a flavor problem, but an unpleasant texture.  I've found chicken breasts to be weirdly spongy when brined for a long time.  I'd take them out as Susan W mentioned she's done.

Susan W. · Answer

I've never brined with pickle juice, but I often remove chicken from a brine and waited until the next day to cook it.

Can I over-brine chicken breasts?

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