Ok, I think I have figured out what kind of chicken to cook for the work event I mentioned in my previous post.  Not only is this BBQ chicken outstanding, it is going to be the start of my future competition recipe for chicken.  I will continue to grow this recipe, till I believe it cannot be beaten by anyone.  The first thing I need to do, is to come up with my own BBQ sauce for this recipe.

Brine:

  • 1 gallon water
  • 3/4 C kosher salt
  • 2/3 C sugar
  • 3/4 C low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 t oregano
  • 1 t ground sage
  • 1/4 C olive oil

To make the brine combine all ingredients in a large pot and heat to a rapid boil.  Remove from heat and let the brine come down to room temperature.  Place chicken thighs in the brine and refrigerate for 1 hour.  This is enough for about 7 lbs of chicken thighs.

Rub:

  • 2 T ground black pepper
  • 1 T sugar
  • 2 t cayenne pepper
  • 2 T chili powder
  • 1 T ground cumin
  • 1 T granulated garlic
  • 1 T brown sugar
  • 1 T ground oregano
  • 4 T sweet paprika
  • 2 t dry yellow mustard
  • 1 T celery salt
  • 1 T salt

Mix all the rub ingredients together in a bowl, make sure they seasonings are well mixed.  Remove chicken from brine, rinse off very well and pat dry with paper towels and place on a large cutting board or cookie sheet.  Sprinkle on a good amount of rub on both sides of the chicken, making sure to get some underneath the skin too.  Let sit in the refrigerator covered with aluminum foil for about 1 hour.

Cooking:

Prepare the grill for indirect grilling.  Place chicken on skin side down away from the heat and let cook for 30 minutes.  Flip the chicken after 30 minutes and place a good Kansas City BBQ Sauce on the skin side of the chicken thighs.  Let cook for another 10 minutes and flip again, and coat the other side with the BBQ sauce.  Let cook until juices run clear and the chicken is fully cooked.

Results:

This was very good.  I used an Archer Farms Kansas City BBQ sauce from Target on the thighs.  It was one of the best store bought sauces I have ever tried.  I think this will be a good candidate for the work party I mentioned in my previous post.