Basil Lemon Brined Grilled Chicken

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)

Directions

1. 1

   Prepare an ice water bath for the basil.

2. 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. 3

   Puree blanched basil, salt, lemon zest, pepper and water in a mini food processor or blender until smooth.

4. 4

   Combine chicken with puree in a large resealable plastic bag and allow to marinate several hours or up to overnight.

5. 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. 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. 7

   Loosely tent chicken with aluminum foil and let rest several minutes before serving.