Basil Lemon Brined Grilled Chicken

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 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)

Recipe

• 1 prepare an ice water bath for the basil.
• 2 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.
• 3 puree blanched basil, salt, lemon zest, pepper and water in a mini food processor or blender until smooth.
• 4 combine chicken with puree in a large resealable plastic bag and allow to marinate several hours or up to overnight.
• 5 grill chicken over indirect heat for 20 to 25 minutes or until an internal temperature of 165 degrees f with grill cover on.
• 6 open grill lid and grill chicken, skin side down, over direct heat to crisp skin and give it some char, 1 or 2 minutes.
• 7 loosely tent chicken with aluminum foil and let rest several minutes before serving.