Crispy Chipotle-Ginger Glazed Grilled Chicken

1. Brine the Chicken

Dissolve 0.5 cup of salt in 2 quarts of cold water in a large container. Submerge the 6 bone-in split chicken breasts in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour. After an hour, remove the chicken from the brine, rinse them thoroughly under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Prepare the Grill

For a charcoal grill, open the bottom vent completely and light a chimney starter filled with about 6 quarts of charcoal briquettes. Once the charcoal is covered with a layer of fine gray ash, pour it over half of the grill. Set the cooking grate in place, cover the grill, and open the lid vent completely. Allow the grill to heat up for about 5 minutes. If using a gas grill, turn all the burners to high, cover, and heat the grill for about 15 minutes. Once heated, adjust the primary burner to medium and turn off other burners.

3. Grill the Chicken - Initial Sear

Clean and oil the cooking grate. Place the chicken breasts skin side up over the cooler side of the grill. Cook them until lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes on a charcoal grill and 10-14 minutes on a gas grill. Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.

4. Cook the Chicken Indirectly

Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill, skin side down. Cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil and cover the grill. Cook until the chicken registers 150 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, which should take about 15-25 minutes.

5. Apply the Glaze

Once the chicken reaches 150 degrees, brush the bone side of the chicken with the Chipotle-Ginger Glaze. Move the chicken to the hot side of the grill, bone side down. Cook for about 4-6 minutes until the glaze sets. Then, brush the skin side with the glaze, flip the chicken, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and the chicken reaches 160 degrees.

6. Rest and Serve

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and tent with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.