Sweet Tea Brine Smoked Chicken

4.50 from 2 votes

This Sweet Tea Brined Smoked Chicken is a southern classic with hints of tea, smokiness from the smoker and tender and juicy meat.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: dinner ideas, easy chicken recipe, smoked chicken, sweet tea brine, chicken brine recipe

Servings: People

Start by filling up a 4 quart saucepan halfway with water. Add all the other brine ingredients except the tea bags, and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to make sure the salt and sugar is completely dissolved.
Remove the liquid from the heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5-10 minutes to extract all the flavor.
Next, pour the hot water with all the contents excluding the tea bags into your brining container. Add 2 quarts of cold water or ice to bring the temperature of the liquid under 40 degrees.
Place the chicken quarters into the brine and place them in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours. An overnight brine is ideal as that will maximize the flavor.
Remove the chicken from the brine and pat them dry. Season half of them with salt, pepper and garlic and the other half with my Sweet BBQ Rub.
Preheat the smoker or grill to a low heat around 275 degrees Fahrenheit and set for indirect heat.
Smoke the chicken until the internal temperature reads between 175 and 180 degrees.
Remove from the smoker and let the chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

For best results use Kosher salt in the brine.
In order to extract the flavors and aroma from the tea bags, hot water is needed.
Avoid fruity or floral teas. They are overpowering.