Heat 2 cups of water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the rest of the brining ingredients (not the chicken wings). Simmer until salt and sugar dissolve.
In a large bowl, add remaining 4 cups of cold water. Add the salt/sugar mixture, and stir. Add the chicken wings, making sure they're all submerged.
Cover, and place in the fridge for 2-4 hours.
Remove from the fridge and discard the brine. Pat the wings dry with paper towels, and spread on a cooling rack over a baking sheet. You can now prepare them with your favorite recipe. Or - for extra crispy skin, put them back in the fridge, uncovered, for another 1-2 hours.
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Notes
Use this brine in conjunction with any of your favorite wing recipes! It works with almost any preparation (frying, grilling, baking, smoking, air-frying), and any sauce.
Feel free to switch up the aromatics!
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