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grilled chicken pieces with caramelized golden-brown skin and char marks on a platter in a wide horizontal shot, lemon slices and fresh herbs beside them, sunny outdoor table, bright natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Sweet Tea-Brined Grilled Chicken

Tender chicken brined in sweet tea and grilled to smoky, caramelized perfection.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 pieces chicken bone-in
  • 4 cups brewed black tea strong
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 3 cloves garlic smashed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon sliced

Method
 

  1. Stir the sugar and salt into the warm tea until dissolved, then cool with the garlic and lemon.
  2. Submerge the chicken in the brine and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Remove, pat dry, and brush with olive oil.
  4. Grill over medium heat 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally.
  5. Rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't brine longer than overnight or the texture turns mushy.