Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken Recipe: Brined, Poached, and Grilled

Ingredients:

• For the Brine:

• 4 cups water

• 1/4 cup kosher salt

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 lemons, sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

• 2 bay leaves

• For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 lemons, juiced and zested

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brine:

1. In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, and sugar. Heat over medium until the salt and sugar dissolve.

2. Remove from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.

3. Add the lemon slices, garlic, black peppercorns, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the cooled brine.

2. Brine the Chicken:

1. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container.

2. Pour the cooled brine over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are submerged.

3. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

3. Poach the Chicken:

1. Remove the chicken from the brine and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Place in a pan and oven roast for 30-40 minutes at 450F

3. Cook until the chicken is just cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

4. Remove the chicken from oven and finish grilling, if undercooked finish grilling and make sure you reach that 165F temperature.

4. Prepare for Grilling:

1. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.

2. Brush the mixture over the poached chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Grill the Chicken:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Grill the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they have nice grill marks and are heated through.

3. Optional: brush additional lemon-garlic mixture over the chicken during grilling for extra flavor.

6. Serve:

1. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

2. Serve the lemon chicken with your choice of sides, such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice.

Tips:

• Ensure the brine is completely cool before adding the chicken to avoid starting the cooking process prematurely.

• Do not over-brine the chicken, as this can make it too salty.

• If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.

Enjoy your deliciously flavorful lemon chicken!