Lemon-Brined Chicken

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• Juice of 4 lemons
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme laves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Wood pellets (fruitwood like apple or cherry for a mild smokiness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemon Brine:
   • In a large bowl, combine water, kosher salt, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped thyme, and black pepper. Stir well until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.
2. Brine the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the lemon brine over the chicken, ensuring that it's fully submerged. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the Pellet Smoker:
   • Preheat your pellet smoker to 325°F (163°C). Use fruitwood pellets to add a mild and complementary smoky flavor.
4. Remove and Pat Dry:
   • Take the chicken out of the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
5. Season the Chicken:
   • Rub the chicken with olive oil, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Optionally, sprinkle a bit of additional black pepper or fresh thyme for extra flavor.
6. Place Chicken in the Pellet Smoker:
   • Place the seasoned chicken directly on the preheated smoker grates, skin side up.
7. Smoke the Chicken:
   • Smoke the chicken at 325°F for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and crispy.
8. Rest the Chicken:
   • Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the pellet smoker and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the lemon-brined chicken hot, garnished with additional fresh thyme or lemon slices if desired. Pair it with your favorite sides for a refreshing and flavorful meal.

This Lemon-Brined Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy, and citrus-infused chicken with a subtle smokiness from the pellet smoker. The brining process enhances the flavor and moisture, making this dish a delightful addition to your barbecue repertoire. Adjust the brining time based on your schedule for a convenient yet impressive meal.