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The Best BBQ Chicken

A special brine is the secret to this grilled BBQ chicken. It will produce the most flavorful and moist chicken you've ever tasted!
Servings 6
Calories 2911kcal
Author Sara

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water divided
  • 4 ice cubes
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup salt
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 4 pounds chicken I used drumsticks
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic pepper
  • 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce your favorite

Instructions

  • TO MAKE THE BRINE
  • Bring 2 cups of water, salt, and vinegar to a boil in a medium pot then remove from the heat. Stir until the sugar and salt is dissolved. Pour in the remaining water and ice cubes to bring the brine solution to room temperature.
  • Once the brine is at room temperature, add the chicken and ensure chicken is fully covered in the brine. Add more water if necessary.
  • Cover the pot and refrigerate the chicken for 4-5 hours (you could also leave this overnight)
  • FOR THE CHICKEN
  • Rinse the pieces of chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper toweling. Dispose of the brine.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line a baking pan with foil. Spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken in a single layer in the pan. Drizzle the chicken with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and massage it into the chicken.
  • Lightly season chicken with garlic pepper.
  • Bake the chicken for 40 minutes.
  • While the chicken is baking, preheat your outside grill to high heat.
  • Remove from oven and baste each piece of chicken completely with BBQ sauce.
  • Carefully oil the grates of the grill.
  • Place the chicken on the grill and reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Grill for 7 minutes on each side.

Notes

  1. Brining for Moisture: Brining the chicken before cooking helps it retain moisture, resulting in juicier meat. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the brine solution and refrigerate it for the recommended time for optimal flavor and texture.
  2. Balancing Flavors: While the brine adds moisture to the chicken, the BBQ sauce provides flavor. Choose a BBQ sauce that complements the chicken well, whether it's sweet, tangy, or spicy. Basting the chicken with BBQ sauce during grilling adds a delicious caramelized coating.
  3. Grilling Techniques: Preheating the grill and oiling the grates prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures even cooking. Adjust the heat to medium-low to prevent flare-ups and to cook the chicken through without burning the BBQ sauce. Flip the chicken halfway through the grilling time for even charring and flavor distribution.

Nutrition

Calories: 2911kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 302g | Saturated Fat: 90g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 63g | Monounsaturated Fat: 135g | Cholesterol: 257mg | Sodium: 10177mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 160IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg