BASIL-AND-BLACK-PEPPER-BRINED CHICKEN

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Basil-and-Black-Pepper-Brined Chicken image

Cooking the chicken on the stove top beforehand takes all the guesswork out of grilling bone-in pieces. The brine, which does double duty as an overnight bath and a cooking liquid, infuses it with flavor and ensures it stays juicy. Recipe courtesy of Erin French, chef and owner of Lost Kitchen in Freedom, ME.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken

Time 3h30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/3 cup sugar
Coarse salt
1/4 cup black peppercorns, crushed with a rolling pin, plus 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 1/4 cups packed fresh basil leaves, torn, plus sprigs for serving
4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, or 1 whole chicken (4 pounds), cut into 10 pieces
1 stick unsalted butter
Safflower oil, for brushing
Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon, for serving

Steps:

  • In a medium stockpot, combine 6 cups water, sugar, 1/4 cup coarse salt, and crushed peppercorns; bring to a boil. Remove from heat; add 2 cups basil leaves. Let cool completely; cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. Add chicken; refrigerate, covered, overnight.
  • Bring chicken to a boil in liquid. Skim well; reduce heat and vigorously simmer until just cooked through and a thermometer inserted in thickest part of each piece (avoiding bones) reads 165 degrees, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet; let dry, 45 minutes to 1 hour. (Chicken can be made ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 day; bring to room temperature before grilling.)
  • In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium, then add remaining 1/4 cup basil and ground pepper. Prepare grill for direct and indirect cooking; lightly brush grates with oil. Grill chicken over direct heat, turning occasionally, 5 minutes. Brush with basil butter and continue grilling until charred in spots and heated through, about 10 minutes more. (If flare-ups occur, or chicken is nicely colored before it's heated through, move to indirect heat.) Remove from heat and brush with more butter. Serve, garnished with basil sprigs and sprinkled with flaky salt.

sonia G
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This chicken recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken. The basil and black pepper brine infuses the chicken with so much flavor. I highly recommend this recipe.


Jennifer Brown
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I've made this chicken recipe several times and it's always a hit. The chicken is so tender and flavorful. I love serving it with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy.


Oyetunji oluwatosin
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This chicken recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue. The chicken is grilled to perfection and the basil and black pepper brine gives it a delicious flavor. I highly recommend this recipe.


Marissa Walcott
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I made this chicken recipe for a potluck and it was a hit! Everyone loved the chicken. It was so flavorful and moist. I will definitely be making this again.


Tavuya Tavuya
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This chicken recipe is a great way to impress your guests. It's easy to make and the chicken is always tender and juicy. I love serving it with a side of roasted vegetables.


Puspa Magar
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I was skeptical about this recipe because I'm not a big fan of basil. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The basil flavor is subtle and it complements the black pepper perfectly. The chicken was delicious.


Edwin Carballo
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I've tried many chicken recipes, but this one is my favorite. The basil and black pepper brine makes the chicken so flavorful and moist. I highly recommend this recipe.


Emmanuel phiri
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This chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's easy to make and the chicken is always tender and juicy. I often double the recipe so I have leftovers for lunch the next day.


Javeed Ahmed
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I'm not a fan of black pepper, but I decided to try this recipe anyway. I'm so glad I did! The black pepper flavor is subtle and it complements the basil perfectly. The chicken was delicious.


Qasim jan
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This chicken recipe is a great way to use up leftover basil. The brine infuses the chicken with so much flavor. I highly recommend this recipe.


Reya Gallegos
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I've made this chicken recipe several times and it's always a hit. The brine makes the chicken so flavorful and tender. I love serving it with roasted potatoes and vegetables.


James1 X
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This chicken recipe is easy to follow and the results are amazing. The chicken is so moist and juicy. I highly recommend this recipe.


Mg Mawaki
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I'm not a big fan of chicken, but this recipe changed my mind. The basil and black pepper brine made the chicken so tender and flavorful. I'll definitely be making this again.


Kristy Hearn
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I made this recipe for a dinner party and it was a hit! Everyone loved the chicken. It was so flavorful and juicy. I will definitely be making this again.


Graff IT
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This is the best chicken recipe I've ever tried. The brine makes all the difference. The chicken is so tender and juicy. I highly recommend this recipe.


Paanya Thabiso
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I followed the recipe exactly and the chicken turned out perfectly. It was so moist and flavorful. My family loved it!


TANJID AHMED Mahi
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This chicken recipe is a keeper! The basil and black pepper brine infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. It's juicy, tender, and has a crispy skin. I'll definitely be making this again.