Applewood Chicken Recipes

Steps:

• Make the brine: Bring 2 cups water, 3/4 cup salt and the peppercorns to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt. Let cool, then stir in the apple and lemon juices.
• Cut the backbone out of each chicken using kitchen shears; discard. Trim off any remaining ribs. Place the chickens breast-side up, then firmly press down with your hands to flatten. Trim off any excess skin. Transfer the chickens to a large pot, laying them flat (or use a two-gallon resealable plastic bag). Add the brine, thyme, garlic and 2 cups cold water. (If the chickens are not covered, add 1 to 2 more cups water.) Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
• Place a drip pan under the grill grates. Preheat the grill to medium and prepare for indirect cooking: On a gas grill, turn off half the burners; on a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side. Meanwhile, soak the applewood chips in water, 30 minutes; drain. Remove the chickens from the brine and pat dry. Season on both sides with the paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• When the grill registers 375 degrees F, add the wood chips: On a gas grill, fill a smoke box with half the chips and use according to the manufacturers' instructions; on a charcoal grill, sprinkle half the chips over the coals. Place the chickens breast-side up on the cooler side of the grill, making sure they lie flat. Cover the grill and cook 1 hour, then add the remaining wood chips (if using charcoal, add more coals at this point or as needed so the temperature stays between 325 degrees F and 375 degrees F). Continue grilling until a thermometer inserted into the thighs and breasts registers 165 degrees F and the skin is browned and crisp, 1 to 1 1/2 more hours. Transfer the chickens to a cutting board and let rest at least 15 minutes before carving.

Steps:

• In a medium size bowl, mix together the dry ingredients. Rub the seasoning over the both halves of the chicken. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
• Place wood chips in the smoking tray of the grill. If you don't have this option you can make a packet out of aluminum foil and punch a few holes in the top of it with a fork and place directly on the hot coals.
• Place the chicken on a hot grill over medium-heat with the meat side down. Grill over the wood chips for 1 hour and 20 minutes. Cover, this will keep in the smoke and to prevent oxygen from igniting the smoking wood. After 30 minutes turn the chicken to its opposite side. The juices near the bone should run clear.

Steps:

• Place flour in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. Dust chicken in seasoned flour. Heat oil in skillet.
• Add chicken and cook until cooked through and the juices run clear. Drain off excess oil. Add apples, pecans, brandy, honey, and butter to skillet. Cook until apples are tender and the sauce is reduced. Pour sauce over chicken.