Best 2 Basil And Black Pepper Brined Chicken Recipes

Welcome to a culinary journey where succulent, juicy chicken takes center stage, infused with the aromatic essence of basil and the piquant heat of black pepper. Discover a collection of delectable recipes that highlight this flavorful combination, tantalizing your taste buds and leaving you craving more. From the classic basil and black pepper brined chicken, where the chicken is immersed in a fragrant brine for hours, resulting in tender, flavorful meat, to the savory basil and black pepper chicken stir-fry, where tender chicken pieces are seared to perfection with a medley of crisp vegetables, each recipe offers a unique twist on this timeless flavor pairing. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will elevate your chicken dishes to new heights of deliciousness.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PERFECT CHICKEN BRINE

Perfect Chicken Brine image

Brining chicken adds tons of flavor and keeps the meat moist. Several years of experimenting with ingredients and method and I finally found the right combination for my perfect chicken brine.

Provided by Kate Leifker

Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 20

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

16 cups water
¾ cup kosher salt
⅔ cup white sugar
2 heads garlic, crushed and chopped
¼ cup dried sage, or to taste
¼ cup dried basil, or to taste
1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
1 large bay leaf

Steps:

Mix water, kosher salt, white sugar, garlic, sage, basil, peppercorns, and bay leaf in a large pot over medium-high heat; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the salt and sugar are dissolved completely, about 20 minutes.
Remove pot from heat and cover with a lid. Cool brine at room temperature for 2 hours before refrigerating to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 37.8 calories, Carbohydrate 9.2 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 0.6 g, Sodium 3422.9 mg, Sugar 6.7 g

BASIL LEMON BRINED GRILLED CHICKEN

Basil Lemon Brined Grilled Chicken image

This is a recipe for grilled chicken breasts that have been brined in fresh basil and lemon for unbeatable flavor. Time does not include marinating.

Provided by threeovens

Categories Chicken Breast

Time 35m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups packed basil leaves (about 3 ounces)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon lemon zest (1/2 lemon)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon water
2 1/2 lbs chicken breast halves, skin-on (about 4)

Steps:

Prepare an ice water bath for the basil.
Bring a small saucepan of water to boil over medium high heat; wilt basil leaves, drain, and plunge basil into ice water bath, then drain.
Puree blanched basil, salt, lemon zest, pepper and water in a mini food processor or blender until smooth.
Combine chicken with puree in a large resealable plastic bag and allow to marinate several hours or up to overnight.
Grill chicken over indirect heat for 20 to 25 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees F with grill cover on.
Open grill lid and grill chicken, skin side down, over direct heat to crisp skin and give it some char, 1 or 2 minutes.
Loosely tent chicken with aluminum foil and let rest several minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250.7, Fat 13.3, SaturatedFat 3.8, Cholesterol 90.8, Sodium 962.6, Carbohydrate 0.8, Fiber 0.5, Sugar 0.1, Protein 30.4

Tips:

Prep the Brine: Make sure to dissolve the salt and sugar completely in the water before adding the chicken. This will ensure even distribution of flavors.
Brine Time: The longer you brine the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. For best results, brine for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
Use a Variety of Herbs and Spices: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices in your brine. Basil and black pepper are a classic combination, but you could also try thyme, rosemary, garlic, or lemon zest.
Keep the Chicken Cold: Make sure to keep the chicken cold while it's brining. This will help to prevent bacteria from growing.
Rinse the Chicken: Before cooking, rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess brine.
Cook Thoroughly: Always cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Conclusion:

Basil and black pepper brined chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. By following these tips, you can create a perfectly cooked chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new way to cook chicken, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!