Dai Due's Master Brined Chicken

Combine 5 ounces kosher salt (1 cup Diamond Crystal or 1/2 cup Morton), 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon black peppercorns in a large pot. Squeeze in juice from 1 halved lemon and add lemon to pot along with 2 quarts water. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve salt and sugar. Remove pot from heat and stir in 2 quarts ice water. Add one or two 2 1/2-pound chickens to brine, weight with a plate to keep submerged, if needed, and cover. Chill 12 –24 hours. Remove chickens from brine; pat dry. Place in a large baking dish and chill, uncovered, 3 –12 hours (longer is better) to dry skin (this results in a crispier bird).