Step 1

Combine salt, sugar, and peppercorns in a large pot. Squeeze in juice from 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 chickens to brine, weight with a plate to keep submerged, if needed, and cover. Chill 12–24 hours.

Step 2

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).