Lemon Tarragon Brined Whole Chicken Recipe

Name: Lemon Tarragon Brined Whole Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 7 cups water, divided; 2 tablespoons grated lemon rind; 8 tarragon, sprigs; 1 cup kosher salt1/2 cup sugar; 2 cups ice cubes; 1 (4 1/2 lb) roasting chickens; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon, divided; 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper, divided; cooking spray; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided

Servings: persons

1
Combine 1 cup water, rind, and tarragon sprigs in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; remove from heat. Place in a large bowl; cool to room temperature.
2
Add remaining 6 cups water, salt, and sugar, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve. Place salt mixture in a 2-gallon zip-top plastic bag. Add the ice and chicken; seal.
3
Refrigerate 3 hours, turning bag occasionally. Remove chicken from bag; discard brine. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
4
Prepare grill for indirect grilling, heating one side to medium and leaving one side with no heat.
5
Sprinkle cavity of chicken with 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped tarragon and 1 teaspoon pepper. Lightly coat outside of chicken with cooking spray.
6
Rub the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped tarragon and 1 teaspoon pepper evenly over outside of chicken. Place chicken on grill rack coated with cooking spray over unheated side.
7
Close lid; grill 15 minutes. Brush chicken with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Close lid; grill an additional 30 minutes.
8
Brush with remaining lemon juice. Close lid; grill 15 minutes or until thermometer inserted into meaty part of thigh registers 180u00b0.
9
Place chicken on a platter; cover with foil. Let stand for 15 minutes. Discard the skin.

242

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

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 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 7 cups water, divided, 2 tablespoons grated lemon rind, 8 tarragon, sprigs, 1 cup kosher salt1/2 cup sugar, and more.

Yes, Lemon Tarragon Brined Whole 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!

Lemon Tarragon Brined Whole Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions