Grilled Lemon Chicken

1. Dissolve salt in 3 quarts cold water in large container. Submerge chicken in brine, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season chicken with pepper.
   2A. FOR A CHARCOAL GRILL: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour two-thirds coals evenly over grill, then pour remaining coals over half of grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes.
   2B. FOR A GAS GRILL: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes.
2. While grill heats, heat oil and garlic in small saucepan over low heat until garlic sizzles, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Transfer half of mixture to small bowl and set aside. Transfer remaining half of mixture to 13 by 9-inch baking dish.
3. Clean and oil cooking grate. Place chicken on grill (hotter side if using charcoal), skin side down. Cook (covered if using gas) until well browned on both sides, 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Stir thyme into lemon juice mixture in baking dish, then place chicken pieces in baking dish and turn to coat.
4. Return chicken pieces to cooler side of grill (if using charcoal), skin side up, or turn burners to medium-low (if using gas). Continue to cook (covered if using gas) until breasts register 160 degrees and thighs/drumsticks register 175 degrees, about 5 minutes longer, brushing with reserved lemon mixture twice.
5. Transfer chicken to serving platter, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

LIME CHICKEN WITH JALAPEÑO AND CORIANDER
An equal amount of toasted and crushed cumin seeds may be substituted for the coriander seeds.
Add 2 teaspoons minced jalapeño chiles and 2 teaspoons crushed coriander seeds with garlic. Substitute 1 cup lime juice (10 limes) for lemon juice and 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro for thyme.