Wine-Brined Grilled Chicken
James Carrier
Notes: Have butcher remove backs from chickens and quarter birds. You can mince shallots in a food processor.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Rinse chicken and pat dry. Trim off excess fat. In an 11- by 16-inch roasting pan (about 3 in. deep), stir wine, shallots, tarragon, salt, and sugar until salt and sugar are dissolved. Add chicken quarters and turn to coat. Cover and chill for 1 day, turning once.
Step 2
2
Lift chicken from brine; discard brine. Rinse quarters and pat dry.
Step 3
3
Lay chicken quarters on a barbecue grill over medium-hot coals or medium heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 4 to 5 seconds); close lid on gas grill. Cook, turning frequently, until browned on both sides and no longer pink at the bone (cut to test), about 25 minutes. Pile quarters on a platter or place on plates.
Ingredients
2 chickens (about 3 1/2 lb. each), necks and giblets removed, cut into quarters (see notes)
1 bottle (750 ml.) Sauvignon Blanc or other dry white wine
2 cups minced shallots (see notes)
1 cup chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 cup kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar
Directions
Step 1
1
Rinse chicken and pat dry. Trim off excess fat. In an 11- by 16-inch roasting pan (about 3 in. deep), stir wine, shallots, tarragon, salt, and sugar until salt and sugar are dissolved. Add chicken quarters and turn to coat. Cover and chill for 1 day, turning once.
Step 2
2
Lift chicken from brine; discard brine. Rinse quarters and pat dry.
Step 3
3
Lay chicken quarters on a barbecue grill over medium-hot coals or medium heat on a gas grill (you can hold your hand at grill level only 4 to 5 seconds); close lid on gas grill. Cook, turning frequently, until browned on both sides and no longer pink at the bone (cut to test), about 25 minutes. Pile quarters on a platter or place on plates.
