chicken brine recipe

1 gallon water - 3/4 cup kosher salt - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon black peppercorns - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 2-3 bay leaves - Optional: Fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or sage), lemon slices, crushed garlic cloves