Salt is necessary to brine a protein. I could explain it scientifically but I am sure nobody wants to hear about osmosis/concentration gradients and hyper-hypotonic solutions. It's just necessary. We don't like salt at our house. I've been working on figuring out the mimimal amount of salt necessary that will still allow the flavors of the brine to penetrate the meat. We like a simple brine when roasting chicken. Sometimes we even brine a chicken prior to following another recipe calling for rubs or the addition of other spices. If you have herbs or spices you like it is simple to alter this recipe to fit those likes/dislikes. I'm still playing with this so comments would be more than welcome. But...here's where I am thus far.