Urgent brine + ice cubes question

[Smokeville]

For the first time I need to brine 12 chickens so my pot and fridge don't fit.

I'll use a cooler and keep it in the garage overnight.

If I add two bags of ice, how does that change the brine ratios? I expect the ice to melt and dilute the brine. Is this an issue? Do I make a regular brine (1gallon 1 cup salt 1 cup brown sugar) or cut back the ratios?

Thanks all,
Rich

[FLBentRider]

water weights 8.33lbs per gallon - frozen or not.

for a 2 gallon brine I use 1 gallon water and 8-9lbs of ice.

[Smokeville]

You win the "smart guy" award! Thanks!

[Habanero Smoker]

If your cooler is large enough, you may be better off using a full strength brine and use sealed bags of ice to keep your brine cool. When I brine in a cooler, I cool the brine down first, then place ice in sealable plastic bags and throw them in on top of the meat.

[FLBentRider]

You win the "smart guy" award! Thanks!

Ask anyone with an RV - they will tell you how much water weighs!

[Smokeville]

Well, I bought two bags of ice and made up the brine. Took 3 gallons to cover all the chickens. They sat outside and there was still ice in the cooler -- nearly froze my fingers grabbing them out. I rinsed them off, dusted them with Adobo and they are in the smoker now.

I didn't want to take a chance of them being too salty so I made the brine just slightly more than regular strength.

They will be out of the smoker in a few hours. I'm also doing leg quarters -- a total of 46 pounds of chicken. Both smokers, all racks in use.

Rich

[RAF128]

water weights 8.33lbs per gallon - frozen or not.

Unless you live in Canada where a gallon weighs 10lbs ;).