Basil And Black Pepper Brined Chicken Recipes

CHICKEN BRINE

Steps:

• In a very large stockpot add the water, kosher salt (do not use table salt), sugar, garlic, sage, basil, black peppercorns and bay leaves and bring to a boil on high heat.
• Stir well until sugar and salt have dissolved.
• Turn off heat and let cool naturally until water is at room temperature.
• Add chicken to the pot and cover.
• Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, up to 8 hours.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
• Remove chicken from brine and rinse under a very slow stream of water (sanitize your sink after rinsing).
• Dry the chicken with paper towels inside and out and stuff the chicken cavity with apple and onion.
• Place into baking pan and cook for 15 minutes, then lower heat to 375 degrees and cook for 40-45 minutes or until the middle of the thigh reads 165 degrees on a probe thermometer.

BASIL LEMON BRINED GRILLED CHICKEN

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.

SPICY CHICKEN WITH PEPPERS AND BASIL

Steps:

• Place rice on the stovetop to cook.
• Cut chicken on an angle across the breast into thin strips. Cut strips across into bite size pieces. Set chicken aside. Wash hands and cutting board.
• When the rice is 6 or 7 minutes away from being done, begin your stir fry.
• Heat a wok, wok shaped skillet, or large nonstick skillet over high heat. When the pan smokes, add wok or light cooking oil, and hot chile oil. Sprinkle in crushed pepper flakes. Add chicken and stir fry 2 minutes. Add onions, red bell peppers, and garlic and stir-fry for 1 or 2 more minutes. Add fish sauce. Remove the pan from heat and add basil. Toss chicken dish until basil wilts.
• Serve chicken and peppers with prepared rice, salad with peanut dressing.
• Heat peanut butter in microwave in a small microwave safe dish on high for 15 seconds to soften. Transfer peanut butter to a bowl. Whisk in oil, soy, vinegar, sugar, and cayenne pepper.
• Pile lettuce, bean spouts, and carrots on a serving platter. Drizzle liberally with peanut dressing and serve.
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: none
• Ease of preparation: easy