GRILLED CHICKEN LEGS WITH DIJON AND WHITE WINE GLAZE

GRILLED CHICKEN LEGS WITH DIJON AND WHITE WINE GLAZE

For the brine:

1 gallon (16 cups) water, divided

1 cup kosher salt

2 tablespoons sugar 

2 tablespoons black peppercorns

6 whole chicken legs (drumstick and thigh intact)

For the chicken:

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/4 cup neutral cooking oil, such as canola or safflower

1/4 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the brine, in a large stock pot, cover the chicken with about 12 cups of cold water. In a microwave-proof bowl, heat 4 cups of water until almost boiling. Add the salt, sugar, and peppercorns; stir until completely dissolved. Add the salted water to the stock pot with the chicken. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight.

When ready to cook the chicken, preheat the grill. For gas, close lid and turn all burners on high for about 12 to 15 minutes. Once hot, scrape grates clean using a wire brush if necessary.

While grill is preheating, remove the chicken from the brine, rinse in cold water, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk the Dijon, cooking oil, and wine until combined. Brush the tops of the chicken with a coating of the sauce and season generously with salt and pepper.

Leave half of the burners on high heat and turn remaining burners down to low. Place the chicken, seasoned side down, over the hot burners. Brush the exposed sides with another layer of sauce and season with salt and pepper. Cover the grill and sear until browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Flip and sear on remaining side, another 5 minutes.

Transfer chicken to the cooler side of the grill. Brush with another layer of sauce. Cover and adjust flames to maintain a temperature between 300 - 325°F. Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F with an instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the meat, 25 to 35 minutes. (If necessary, remove a piece from the grill and peek into the center with a knife. There should be no visible redness.) Serve warm or at room temperature.