Some Damn Fine BBQ Chicken

What you need:

 

Brine:

2 quarts water

1 tablespoons salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 garlic cloves, smashed with the side of a large knife

4 sprigs fresh thyme

6 - 8 Chicken legs / Thighs

 

BBQ Sauce:

1 slice bacon

1 bunch fresh thyme

Extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 onion, chopped

3 - 5 Garlic cloves chopped

2 cups ketchup

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup molasses

2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika if available

Freshly ground black pepper

Optional - Red pepper flakes

Optional - diced jalapeno

 

 

 

For the brine, in a 2 Gal zip-lock bag combine the water, salt, sugar, garlic, and thyme. Add the chicken, close the bag and refrigerate up to 2 hours to allow the salt and seasonings to penetrate the chicken.




About a half hour before your ready to cook the chicken you can start on the BBQ sauce.



First: Wrap the bacon slice around the bunch of thyme, you can stick a toothpick through it to hold it together. Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the thyme bundle and cook slowly 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno (optional) and cook for about 5 minutes.




At this point I remove the bundle of thyme and set aside. Add the remaining ingredients, whisk together, throw the time bundle back in and cook on low for about 20 min.

Next remove chicken from the brine and pat dry with a paper towel.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and once ready wipe grates with olive oil to help keep it non-stick.

 

Arrange chicken pieces on preheated grill without sauce until you see the grill marks appearing in the chicken pieces.

Once this has happened turn the heat to medium and brush the chicken generously with the sauce, one side at a time.

 

Once you have both sides grilled and covered in sauce allow to cook until it's cooked all the way through on the BBQ, or you can preheat your oven to 375 Deg F and cook for another 15 to 20 min.

Comes out delicious every time!!!

Enjoy!!