Brined Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Or Thighs With White BBQ Sauce Recipe

"Sweet 'briny and tangy' grilled chicken drumsticks are perfect, in this easy to prepare recipe. Now, if you make the BBQ sauce ahead of time; this is a very simple quick recipe to make. Just plan ahead; the chicken is best if you can brine it for 3-4 hours before grilling. If you can't grill outside, a grill pan is a must; you could use the oven, but, it just isn't the same. Those grill marks, really make all the difference, trust me. And, if you can grill outside, even better. This is the link to my BBQ Sauce recipe; however, it is listed below as well. #recipe21100. This is great for a BBQ with friends; or a game/card night. Prep time does NOT include time for the chicken to brine."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Brine ... Add everything to a bowl (non-reactive [glass], or a ziplock bag), I prefer a bag. Close the bag or mix, until everything is combined. Using a room temperature or warm water will help to let the salt and sugars dissolve. Let the brine set 10-15 minutes to cool off a bit, before you add the chicken. You can even set it in the fridge if you want ... it doesn't have to be COLD; but, you don't want it warm either. Add the chicken and close the bag. Make sure everything is completely submerged. Make sure to brine the chicken 3-4 hours in the refrigerator. NOTE: I usually set the ziploc bag in a bowl or pan ... just in case it leaks.

Step 2

Sauce ... I also like to make the sauce ahead; and let it set in the refrigerator to 'mary;' develop it's flavors. Just add everything to a small bowl and mix. Cover and refrigerate. Check out the recipe if you want - http://www.recipezazz.com/recipe/quick-and-easy-white-bbq-sauce-21100.

Step 3

Chicken ... Remove the chicken from the brine; and make sure to toss the brine out ... it did it's job. Rinse the chicken in cold water, pat the chicken dry using a paper towel; and, brush with olive oil, or use an atomizer or spray. Then, season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Grill ... I did mention, that this is really best on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan. Yes, you can use an oven; but, it just doesn't have the same flavor. Add the chicken to a medium heat grill, well seasoned; and grill turning often. After 15 minutes, the skin should be rendered down; and, you should have a nice char on the skin. Brush each drumstick with some of the sauce; and move to the indirect side of the grill to finish cooking. After another 10 minutes or so, turning often ... brush again with some of the sauce. Cook 5-10 minutes; and, finish with the last bit of sauce before serving. This method is for an outdoor grill; but, also works on a grill pan too. Total cooking time is 30-40 minutes. Again; this really depends on the size of the legs or thighs. Thirty five (35) minutes is usually what I plan on; but, just keep an eye on them. It takes about 40-45 minutes in a 400 degree oven. Same method applies; however, you will not get those good grill marks.

Step 5

Serve and ENJOY! ... These go great with just about anything! Potato salad, slaw, baked beans, etc. They are sweet; but, yet have a nice tang to them. I happen to like thighs and drumsticks/legs for this; but, you could also use chicken quarters or even breasts. I just enjoy the drumsticks. Make sure to garnish with a little fresh thyme; and the remaining half of orange cut in a few wedges.