Best Maple Brined Grilled Chicken Recipes

GRILLED MAPLE CHICKEN WITH SMOKEY GREENS

Steps:

• Preheat a grill or oven to 450 degrees F. If using a grill, set up hot and cool zones by turning one side of a gas grill to the high setting or by banking very hot coals on one side of a charcoal grill.
• Whisk together the maple syrup, mustard and soy sauce in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken in the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the hot side of the grill bone-side down and grill 3 to 5 minutes. Move the chicken to the cool side of the grill, close the lid and cook until the thickest part of a thigh registers 160 degrees F, 30 to 40 minutes. If using the oven, place the chicken bone-side down on a sheet tray and roast until the thickest part of a thigh registers 160 degrees F, 30 to 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the bacon to a large saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 5 to 6 minutes. Add the greens, chile flakes if using, a pinch of salt and 1/4 cup water and cover with the lid. Cook until the greens are tender, about 5 minutes. Splash with some vinegar and serve with the chicken on top.

GRILLED CHICKEN WITH MAPLE CHIPOTLE BBQ SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large bowl stir the water, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 tablespoon syrup until dissolved. Stir in the thyme. Smash 3 cloves of garlic and add to the brine with the chicken. Cover and refrigerate, 2 to 3 hours.
• Mince the remaining clove of garlic and add to a medium pot with the tomato sauce, broth, vinegar, remaining 2 tablespoons syrup, chipotles, chili powder and salt, to taste. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and gently simmer until thick, stirring occasionally, 25 to 30 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the sauce for serving.
• Prepare the grill or grill pan for direct/high heat. Oil the grill grates. Drain the chicken and very pat dry. Grill, turning, until no longer pink near the bone, 15 to 20 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken pieces). Brush with sauce generously as it cooks during the second half of the cooking time. Serve the chicken with the extra sauce on the side.

SMOKED CRISPY CHICKEN DRUMS WITH MAPLE BUTTER HOT SAUCE

Steps:

• Mix together the salt, sugar and water in a large bowl until dissolved. Submerge the chicken in the brine and place in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours.
• Remove the chicken from the brine, pat dry with paper towels and brush with 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil.
• Set up a grill with a smoker box filled with wood chips and preheat one side of the grill to high. Once smoking, lower the temperature to medium and place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill. Cover the grill and cook for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, turning each drumstick a few times. Cook until the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove the chicken from the grill.
• Mix together the cornstarch and remaining 2 tablespoons vegetable oil until dissolved. Brush the exterior of the chicken with the mixture.
• Place the chicken back on the hot side of the grill and cook, turning, until the skin is crispy on all sides.
• Melt the butter, hot sauce and maple syrup in a small pot over low heat (or in the microwave). Whisk until fully blended, and then pour over the chicken before serving.

MAPLE SAGE GRILLED CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk 4 tablespoons apple juice, brown sugar, olive oil, vinegar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, mustard, sage, garlic and salt until blended. Pour 1 cup marinade into a shallow dish. Add chicken; turn to coat. Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade., Drain chicken, discarding marinade in dish. Place chicken on oiled grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat until a thermometer reads 165°, 7-8 minutes on each side., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine reserved marinade, remaining 1/2 cup apple juice and remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half, 5-7 minutes. Serve with chicken.