Spicy Chicken Brine
Spicy Chicken Brine is a great way to add flavor to whole chicken or chicken pieces that are grilled, smoked, baked or fried. A simple recipe with pantry ingredients that will make the most tender, juicy and flavorful chicken you've ever tasted.
Servings: 1 whole chicken
Calories: 519kcal
Ingredients
For the Spicy Chicken Brine
- 2 quarts hot water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 quarts cold water
- ⅓ cup Louisiana Hot Sauce
- 1 whole lemon
- 3 garlic cloves sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken or cut up chicken pieces
- ⅓ cup softened butter
- 3 tablespoons Sweet Garlic and Onion Rub
Instructions
- Add 2 quarts hot water to a large pan or large bowl.
- Whisk in salt and brown sugar until dissolved.
- Add 2 quarts cold water and hot sauce. Squeeze lemon into brine and add lemon rinds, rosemary, garlic and peppercorns.
- Lower chicken into brine, totally submerging in brine. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour and up to 6 hours.
- Drain chicken in a colander and discard brine solution.
- Prepare a grill fire to 350° with hickory or pecan for smoke flavor.
- Pat chicken dry and place on a baking sheet.
- Rub butter under the skin and in the cavity of the chicken.
- Sprinkle dry rub over the chicken on all sides.
- Truss or tie up chicken legs and wings.
- Grill chicken over indirect fire with the grill closed for one hour. Use a digital meat thermometer to check chicken in the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone. Cook until chicken reaches 165°.
- Remove to a serving platter and rest 10 - 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Oven Roasting Instructions: Cook chicken on a wire rack placed in a roasting pan for 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 165°.
Store leftover chicken wrapped in plastic wrap or a zip top bag in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Reheat in a covered pan with chicken broth or water over medium heat until heated through.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 519kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 176mg | Sodium: 248mg | Sugar: 1g