Brined Grilled Chicken with Appalachian Hot Pepper Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken thighs brined for tenderness and glazed with a spicy hot pepper sauce inspired by Appalachian regional heat. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, water, kosher salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large container, dissolve 1/4 cup kosher salt and 2 tbsp brown sugar in 6 cups water. Add 4 smashed garlic cloves and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar. Submerge 6 bone-in chicken thighs in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup hot sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp black pepper to make the glaze.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Grill chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until crispy and grill marks appear.
  5. Step 5: Flip chicken and brush generously with the hot pepper glaze. Grill for another 6-7 minutes, basting with glaze every 2 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra glaze on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brined Grilled Chicken with Appalachian Hot Pepper Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brined Grilled Chicken with Appalachian Hot Pepper Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brined Grilled Chicken with Appalachian Hot Pepper Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brined Grilled Chicken with Appalachian Hot Pepper Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brined Grilled Chicken with Appalachian Hot Pepper Glaze?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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