Lemon Tarragon-Brined Whole Chicken

Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Low Fod Map
Health score
22%
Lemon Tarragon-Brined Whole Chicken
45 min.
5
726kcal

Suggestions


If you're looking for a flavorful, juicy chicken that’s perfectly balanced with a zesty twist, this Lemon Tarragon-Brined Whole Chicken recipe is just what you need. It combines the fresh, aromatic taste of tarragon with the bright, citrusy zing of lemon, creating a savory dish that will impress your family and guests. The brine, infused with lemon rind, tarragon sprigs, and just the right amount of salt and sugar, ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and flavorful throughout. The indirect grilling method helps achieve that crispy, golden skin while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Best of all, it’s a gluten-free, dairy-free, and low FODMAP option, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone who loves a good, wholesome meal. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With the right balance of spices and citrus, every bite is a delightful burst of flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more!

Ingredients

  • teaspoons pepper black divided freshly ground
  • tablespoon tarragon fresh divided chopped
  • cups ice cubes 
  • cup kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
  • 0.3 cup juice of lemon fresh divided
  • tablespoons lemon zest grated
  • 4.5 pound roasting chickens 
  • 0.5 cup sugar 
  •  tarragon 
  • cups water divided

Equipment

  • bowl
  • paper towels
  • sauce pan
  • grill
  • kitchen thermometer
  • aluminum foil
  • ziploc bags

Directions

  1. Combine 1 cup water, rind, and tarragon sprigs in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil; remove from heat.
  2. Place in a large bowl; cool to room temperature.
  3. Add remaining 6 cups water, salt, and sugar, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.
  4. Place salt mixture in a 2-gallon zip-top plastic bag.
  5. Add the ice and chicken; seal. Refrigerate 3 hours, turning bag occasionally.
  6. Remove chicken from bag; discard brine. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
  7. Prepare grill for indirect grilling, heating one side to medium and leaving one side with no heat.
  8. Sprinkle cavity of chicken with 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped tarragon and 1 teaspoon pepper. Lightly coat outside of chicken with cooking spray. Rub the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped tarragon and 1 teaspoon pepper evenly over outside of chicken.
  9. Place chicken on grill rack coated with cooking spray over unheated side. Close lid; grill 15 minutes.
  10. Brush chicken with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Close lid; grill an additional 30 minutes.
  11. Brush with remaining lemon juice. Close lid; grill 15 minutes or until thermometer inserted into meaty part of thigh registers 18
  12. Place chicken on a platter; cover with foil.
  13. Let stand for 15 minutes. Discard the skin.

Nutrition Facts

Calories726kcal
Protein28.82%
Fat58.14%
Carbs13.04%

Properties

Glycemic Index
48.42
Glycemic Load
14.96
Inflammation Score
-9
Nutrition Score
26.9004348659%

Flavonoids

Eriodictyol
0.6mg
Hesperetin
1.77mg
Naringenin
0.17mg
Quercetin
0.05mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:726.43kcal
36.32%
Fat:46.42g
71.41%
Saturated Fat:13.22g
82.6%
Carbohydrates:23.43g
7.81%
Net Carbohydrates:22.72g
8.26%
Sugar:20.37g
22.64%
Cholesterol:256.29mg
85.43%
Sodium:22864.08mg
994.09%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:51.77g
103.55%
Vitamin B3:19.45mg
97.26%
Vitamin A:2644.53IU
52.89%
Vitamin B6:1.04mg
51.9%
Phosphorus:503.63mg
50.36%
Selenium:34.95µg
49.93%
Vitamin B12:2.95µg
49.17%
Vitamin B2:0.56mg
32.87%
Vitamin B5:3.07mg
30.72%
Iron:5.36mg
29.78%
Zinc:4.06mg
27.04%
Manganese:0.48mg
24.11%
Folate:88.59µg
22.15%
Potassium:706.81mg
20.19%
Vitamin C:16.47mg
19.96%
Magnesium:74.33mg
18.58%
Copper:0.3mg
15.05%
Vitamin B1:0.19mg
12.57%
Calcium:98.45mg
9.85%
Fiber:0.72g
2.86%
Vitamin K:1.31µg
1.25%
Source:My Recipes