Easy Recipe to Brine Chicken for a Barbecue

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Brining chicken before barbecuing is the best method of ensuring that your chicken will stay moist and juicy without fail. It can be done as early as 24 hours in advance. Whatever the amount of prep time you have, even if it's just two hours, brining your chicken ensures your meat will stay juicy while locking in tons of flavor beneath the skin.

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Follow this simple method and recipe and I guarantee you will never barbecue chicken without brining it first again!

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Image Credit: Leigh Ann Chatagnier

Things You'll Need

  • 4 cups of water

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup of kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon peppercorns

  • 10 sprigs of thyme

  • 4 garlic cloves

Image Credit: Leigh Ann Chatagnier

Step 1: Combine brining ingredients.

Combine water, sugar, salt, peppercorns, thyme, and garlic cloves in a large bowl and stir to combine

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Step 2: Place chicken in a large plastic bag or large bowl.

Place your chicken into a large gallon sized plastic bag or a large glass or stainless steel bowl that allows enough room for the brining liquid.

Step 3: Pour brining liquid over chicken.

Pour the brining liquid over the chicken and make sure the chicken or chicken pieces are submerged.

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Image Credit: Leigh Ann Chatagnier

Step 4: Let marinate and then pat dry.

Let your chicken sit in the brine for at least 2 hours but up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.

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Step 5: Barbecue chicken.

Preheat the grill to 425 degrees. Place the chicken on direct heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side with the lid closed, and then transfer to indirect heat and cook, turning once, for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on the inside. Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce for the last few minutes of cooking and allow the sauce to caramelize on the outside of the chicken. Serve immediately.

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Image Credit: Leigh Ann Chatagnier

Tip

Don't be a afraid of a little flame when you first put your chicken on the grill. That gives it the nice char flavor and it's only on direct heat for a few minutes before moving off the flame!

This chicken is seriously some of the most delicious I have ever eaten and I know you are going to love using this method the next time you are barbecuing chicken!

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