South Carolina Sweet Tea Brined Chicken

Introduction

South Carolina Sweet Tea Brined Chicken is a flavorful take on classic Southern BBQ. By marinating the chicken in a sweet tea brine, we infuse it with subtle sweetness and depth. Using the Arteflame Grill, we sear it over 1,000°F flame for an incredible crust, then reverse sear to juicy perfection. This recipe screams Southern hospitality, with all the smoky, sweet flavor you crave, all done on one grill with no mess.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 cups sweet tea, chilled
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for griddle)
• Optional garnish: lemon wedges, fresh herbs

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Soak 3 paper napkins in vegetable oil.
2. Place soaked napkins in the center of the Arteflame Grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light them.
4. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the cooktop is hot and ready.

Step 2: Brine the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine sweet tea, kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic, peppercorns, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Place chicken thighs in the brine and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Remove chicken from the brine and pat dry thoroughly.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Place the chicken skin-side down on the center grill grate directly over the flames.
2. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms.

Step 4: Reverse Sear to Finish

1. Move the chicken to the outer flat cooktop griddle, closer to the edge where the temperature is lower.
2. Add butter to the griddle under each chicken piece to infuse it with rich flavor as it cooks.
3. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Then remove it—it will continue to cook to 165°F while resting.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips

• Always remove chicken from the grill when it’s 15°F below your final target for juicy results.
• Butter enhances flavor and gives a beautiful golden sear on the griddle.
• Use the different heat zones of the Arteflame to your advantage—move food around the cooktop as needed for precise cooking.
• Brining overnight is best for fully infused flavor and juicy texture.
• Never reuse leftover brine for safety—discard it after marinating.

Variations

1. Spicy Honey Sweet Tea Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes and a drizzle of honey to the brine for sweet heat.
2. Citrus Sweet Tea Brined Chicken: Add orange and lemon slices to the brine for bright citrus notes that complement the tea.
3. Smoky Chipotle Sweet Tea Chicken: Replace rosemary with smoked paprika and add one crushed chipotle in adobo for smoky depth.
4. Peach Sweet Tea Chicken: Swap in peach-flavored sweet tea and add peach slices to the brine for fruity Southern charm.
5. Sweet Tea BBQ Chicken: After reverse searing, brush on your favorite BBQ sauce and caramelize for a saucy finish.

Best Pairings

• Grilled sweet corn with herb butter on the Arteflame cooktop
• Cast iron skillet peach cobbler (if using the pizza oven attachment)
• Griddled cornbread rounds with honey butter
• Southern-style coleslaw chilled and vinegary to balance the sweet chicken
• A chilled glass of sweet tea or a bourbon lemonade cocktail

Conclusion

This South Carolina Sweet Tea Brined Chicken is a bold, flavorful, and juicy BBQ masterpiece all cooked effortlessly on the Arteflame Grill. Searing, finishing, and even your sides can be done on the same surface—no pots, no pans, no extra cleanup. It’s Southern comfort, reinvented for the grill master in you.