Steps

• Step 1

  Prepare the brine. In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, salt, sugar, garlic, thyme, and rosemary and bring to a boil. Stir until the salt dissolves, then remove from the heat.

  Ingredients

  • 3/4 Cup kosher salt

  • 2 Tablespoon brown sugar

  • 2  garlic cloves

  • 2 Sprig fresh thyme

  • 2 Sprig fresh rosemary

  • 12 Cup water, divided

• Step 2

  Pour in the remaining 8 cups of water. Submerge the chicken in the brine and place in the refrigerator overnight.

  Ingredients

  • 1  (5-6 lb) free-range chicken

• Step 3

  Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, stir together the salt, garlic flakes, onion flakes, thyme, paprika, parsley, black pepper, and coriander.

  Ingredients

  • 4 Teaspoon kosher salt

  • 4 Teaspoon dehydrated garlic flakes

  • 3 Teaspoon onion flakes

  • 1 Teaspoon dried thyme

  • 1 Teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 2 Teaspoon dried parsley

  • 2 Teaspoon cracked black pepper

  • 1 Teaspoon crushed coriander seeds

• Step 4

  When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 225°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

  225 ˚F / 107 ˚C

  Super Smoke

• Step 5

  Remove the chicken from the brine, rinse very well, and pat dry with paper towels.

• Step 6

  Drizzle the olive oil over the bird and rub to coat evenly. Rub 1 1/2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix and the lemon zest all over the chicken. Stuff the garlic and lemon in the cavity.

  Ingredients

  • 1  lemon, halved

  • 1  head of garlic, halved crosswise

  • 2 Tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 Tablespoon lemon zest

• Step 7

  Insert the probe into the thickest part of the chicken leg. Place the chicken directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, 3 1/2-4 hours.

  225 ˚F / 107 ˚C

  160 ˚F / 71 ˚C

• Step 8

  Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes (the internal temperature will rise to 165°F) before carving. Tip: Use the carcass/remains for stock. That sweet smoked grill flavor is to die for. Follow Dennis the Prescott's awesome Instagram for more delicious dishes.

  165 ˚F / 74 ˚C