BASIL-AND-BLACK-PEPPER-BRINED CHICKEN

Basil-and-Black-Pepper-Brined Chicken image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 3h30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

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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.