TYLER FLORENCE'S ULTIMATE BARBECUED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Brine the chicken as follows: Combine water, salt, sugar, garlic, and thyme in a 2-gallon sized resealable plastic bag.
• Add the chicken, close the bag and refrigerate 2 hours (if you've got only 15 minutes, that's fine) to allow the salt and seasonings to penetrate the chicken.
• Meanwhile, make the sauce as follows: Wrap the bacon around the bunch of thyme and tie with kitchen twine so you have a nice bundle.
• Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the thyme and cook slowly 3 to 4 minutes to render the bacon fat and give the sauce a smoky taste.
• Add the onion and garlic. Cook slowly without coloring for 5 minutes.
• Add the remaining ingredients, give the sauce a stir, and turn the heat down to low.
• Cook slowly for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
• Cook the chicken as follows: Preheat an outdoor gast or charcoal barbecue to medium heat.
• Take a few paper towels and fold them several times to make a thick square. Blot a small amount of oil on the paper towel and carefully and quickly wipe the hot grates of the grill to make a non-stick surface.
• Remove the chicken from the brine, pat the chicken dry on the paper towels.
• Arrange the chicken pieces on the preheated grill and cook,turn once mid way, and cook for a total of 15 minutes.
• Serve with extra sauce.