Express Hickory Chicken Recipe

Name: Express Hickory Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts or thighs, water (for brine), kosher salt, sugar, peppercorns, honey, bay leaf; 4 chicken breasts or thighs; 1 gallon water; 1/2 cup kosher salt; 1 tablespoon peppercorns; 1 splash honey; 1/2 cup sugar; butter, liquid hickory smoke, Kansas City barbecue rub, garlic powder, whole shallot; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon liquid hickory smoke; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 whole shallot peeled and sliced in half; 3 teaspoons Kansas City barbecue rub; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon pepper

Servings: persons

4 chicken breasts or thighs, water (for brine), kosher salt, sugar, peppercorns, honey, bay leaf
4 chicken breasts or thighs
1 gallon water
1/2 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon peppercorns
1 splash honey
1/2 cup sugar
butter, liquid hickory smoke, Kansas City barbecue rub, garlic powder, whole shallot
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon liquid hickory smoke
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 whole shallot peeled and sliced in half
3 teaspoons Kansas City barbecue rub
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon pepper

1
Prepare a brining solution by adding the sugar, salt, peppercorns honey and bay leaf to a container or stock pot full of water. Place the chicken in the brine for 1 to 3 hours and refrigerate.
2
After the brining process, rinse the chicken and season with the Kansas City Rub, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
3
Heat the butter in a grill pan or 12'' cast iron skillet and after it melts, pour in the liquid smoke. When the pan gets hot and begins to smoke, saute the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side. Slice the shallot in half and place the two pieces in the pan or skillet. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
4
After sauteing the chicken, move it to the oven for another 10-14 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of about 165 degrees. In the meantime, baste the chicken with the butter/liquid smoke mixture. Once cooked, then remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes and then serve.

426

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 chicken breasts or thighs, water (for brine), kosher salt, sugar, peppercorns, honey, bay leaf, 4 chicken breasts or thighs, 1 gallon water, 1/2 cup kosher salt, and more.

Yes, Express Hickory Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Express Hickory Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions