Pellet Grill Cajun Dry Brined Chicken Food

GRILLED BLACKENED CAJUN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Brine the chicken: Combine 4 cups water, 2/3 cup salt, and the brown sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and whisk until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. Turn off the heat and transfer to a bowl or pot large enough to submerge the chicken. Stir in 6 cups of ice water and let cool completely. Submerge the chicken in the cooled brine, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to overnight.
• Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Remove from the brine and pat dry completely.
• Prepare a grill for medium-high indirect heat: For gas grills (with 3 or more burners), turn all the burners to medium-high heat; after about 15 minutes turn off one of the middle burners. For charcoal grills, bank one chimney starter-full of lit and ashed-over charcoal briquettes to one side of the grill. Set up a drip pan on the other side to avoid flare-ups. (Be sure to consult the grill manufacturer's guide for best results.)
• Whisk together the paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne, garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Brush the chicken all over with the melted butter, and then pat on all of the dry rub mixture.
• Grill the chicken: Place the chicken breast-side up on the indirect side of the grill, with the legs facing the hotter side of the grill. Cover and cook until an instant-read thermometer reads at least 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone), 50 to 60 minutes. The chicken will be quite dark and blackened in spots.
• Remove from the grill and let rest on a cutting board for at least 20 minutes before carving.

CAJUNBOY'S CHICKEN BRINING AND ROASTING RECIPE

Steps:

• Mix the water, sugar, salt, soy sauce, and olive oil. Stir thoroughly. This makes enough brine for a 3-4 pound roasting chicken. Before submersing chicken in brine, be sure to put some small cuts in the skin and meat of the chicken. This will help the brine to get deeper into the chicken. Also, be sure to remove all giblets and other stuff from the cavity of the chicken before brining.
• After about 6 hours or so, remove the chicken, rinse it with warm water, then DRY IT WELL both inside and out with a paper towel. You are ready to go. Mix melted butter, vegetable oil, salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary to coat the bird both inside and out. I also put a quartered onion, 2 tbs butter, and some garlic inside the cavity. The can of chicken stock at bottom of pan is good for basting about every 15 minutes. Cook at 350 for about 1 hour and 15 minutes under aluminum foil. Cook another 20 minutes w/ foil off to finish the bird. Make sure that juices run clear and chicken is white throughout. Internal temperature should be 180°F.

BRINED GRILLED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine the water, salt, and sugar together in a large deep bowl or plastic tub.
• Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved.
• Add the chicken and fully submerge; refrigerate for 2-4 hours to brine.
• Remove the chicken from the brine, rinse and pat dry.
• Grill chicken on direct heat for 5-7 min, turning once or twice until chicken is golden and well-marked from the grill.
• Move the chicken over to the side of the grill to indirect heat and continue to cook until juices run clear, about another 5-7 minute.