Step

• 1

  For the Brine: Combine all ingredients for the brine except the ice water in a medium stock pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until sugar and salt dissolve.

• 2

  Place ice water in a large container big enough to hold all the brine and chicken. Pour hot brine over ice water and stir until ice is melted and brine is cool.

• 3

  Add chicken pieces to the brine and weigh down with a stack of plates if necessary.

• 4

  Cover and transfer to refrigerator to brine overnight. Remove chicken from the brine and rinse under cold water.

• 5

  Place on a sheet tray lined with a cooking rack and pat dry. Let chicken sit uncovered in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until skin is completely dry.

• 6

  Combine all remaining coating ingredients except the buttermilk in a medium bowl and mix well. Split the coating in half between two medium bowls.

• 7

  Pour buttermilk in a separate medium bowl and season with salt and pepper.

• 8

  When ready to cook, set temperature to High and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.

• 9

  Place a cast iron pan with 1-1/2” canola oil on the grill grate while the grill preheats.

• 10

  Dredge chicken in first bowl of coating, dip into buttermilk and let excess run off.

• 11

  Transfer to second bowl of coating and then shake to remove excess. Place on another sheet tray lined with a cooling rack that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

• 12

  Place sheet tray directly on the grill grate next to the cast iron of oil and bake chicken for 30-40 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 150℉.

  500 ˚F / 260 ˚C

  150 ˚F / 66 ˚C

• 13

  As chicken pieces come to temperature, transfer them 2 or 3 at a time to the preheated oil to crisp the coating and finish cooking.

• 14

  Remove chicken from the oil when the internal temperature reaches 165℉ and place on a sheet tray lined with a cooling rack to allow excess oil to drip off preserving the crisp coating.

  500 ˚F / 260 ˚C

  165 ˚F / 74 ˚C

• 15

  Season each piece with Traeger Chicken rub or kosher salt as they are removed from the oil. Repeat process with remaining chicken pieces.

• 16

  Serve with desired sides or sauces. Enjoy!