-
1
To make the brine: Dissolve salt in cold water.
-
2
Place chicken in a gallon size ziplock freezer bag placed inside of a large bowl, or place chicken inside of a large bowl (whichever you prefer but then pour brine over chicken).
-
3
If using a baggie, squeeze out any extra air and zip bag closed.
-
4
If not using a bag, cover the chicken with plastic wrap.
-
5
I weigh it down so all the chicken is submerged.
-
6
Place chicken in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (I usually do for an hour).
-
7
I wouldnt go longer than 4 hours, but thats me.
-
8
Do whatcha like.
-
9
After the quick bath in brine, rinse the chicken thoroughly and pat it dry.
-
10
Rub and Roast: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
-
11
Spray a roasting rack with Pam and place it on a foil lined baking sheet, or you can line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray the foil with Pam.
-
12
Combine the rub ingredients, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, pepper, and salt (* only add the salt if you are not brining).
-
13
Sprinkle the chicken liberally with the rub.
-
14
Take some melted butter and lightly baste the chicken with it.
-
15
Pop it into the oven for about 45 minutes.
-
16
While chicken cooks, make the sauce.
-
17
For the sauce: In a heavy non-reactive saucepan over medium heat combine onion, garlic, cola, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, cider vinegar, the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar, remaining 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and dijon mustard.
-
18
Give it a stir and gradually bring to a boil.
-
19
Reduce the heat slightly to keep a gentle simmer going.
-
20
Simmer the sauce until reduced and thickened, about 30 minutes.
-
21
Back to the chicken...... After the 45 minutes is up, remove the chicken from the oven and preheat your broiler.
-
22
Baste chicken lightly with the sauce, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes, until it starts to bubble and brown.
-
23
Every broiler is different, it usually takes about 2 minutes in mine.
-
24
Remove chicken from broiler and baste again with sauce, this time lay it on a bit thicker.
-
25
Pop it back under the broiler for a few minutes, until it begins to char in some spots, usually another 2-3 minutes.
-
26
Broil until its the color you like.
-
27
I like mine spotty black and charred in a few spots.
-
28
Try subbing Dr. Pepper, Cherry Coke, or even root beer for Coke.
-
29
I have never tried diet sodas so I cant recommend it.
