Grilled Beer-Brined Chicken with Garlic and Thyme

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

Juicy chicken marinated in a beer brine infused with garlic and thyme, grilled to smoky perfection. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs whole chicken (about 3 lbs), lager beer, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 50 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups lager beer, 2 cups water, 1/4 cup kosher salt, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, and 1 tsp black peppercorns. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve completely.
  2. Step 2: Submerge 1 whole chicken (about 3 lbs), patted dry, into the beer brine. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Remove chicken from brine, pat dry thoroughly, then rub 2 tbsp olive oil all over and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Step 4: Place chicken on the grill, breast side up. Grill for 45-50 minutes, turning occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crisp and golden.
  5. Step 5: Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to retain juices.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Beer-Brined Chicken with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Grilled Beer-Brined Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

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 whole chicken (about 3 lbs) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Beer-Brined Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

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 Grilled Beer-Brined Chicken with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Grilled Beer-Brined Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

American chicken 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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