Herb-Brined Grilled Chicken Thighs
All Recipes

Herb-Brined Grilled Chicken Thighs

Time1 hr 30 min
DifficultyMedium
Serves4 people

Bone-in chicken thighs brined in herbs and citrus, then grilled over direct heat for crispy skin and juicy meat. A backyard essential.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 3 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. 1

    Combine water, salt, sugar, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and lemon in a bowl. Stir until salt dissolves. Submerge chicken thighs and brine in the fridge for 1–4 hours.

  2. 2

    Remove chicken from brine, pat completely dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin.

  3. 3

    Brush with olive oil and season with black pepper.

  4. 4

    Preheat grill to medium-high. Place thighs skin-side down. Cook 6–7 minutes without moving until skin releases cleanly and is golden.

  5. 5

    Flip and cook another 8–10 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.

  6. 6

    Rest 5 minutes before serving. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Tasting Notes

The brine keeps the meat incredibly juicy while the direct heat crisps the skin. Serve alongside DSTRKT candied jalapeños for a sweet heat contrast.