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Lemon basil brined BBQ chicken

Serves 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken cut in 10 pieces of 4 lbs. of skin-on chicken pieces
  • kosher salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • basil for garnish, torn
  • parsley for garlish, rouhgly chopped

Brine

  • 4 cups water
  • 1/8 cup coarse kosher salt
  • 2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tbsp thyme
  • 2 cups fresh basil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp fennel seeds
  • 2 tsp whole black peppercorn
  • 1 lemon, cut in half
  • 4 lemons for garnish

Directions

  • Place all brine ingredints into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir to dissolve the salt. Reduce the heat to a low boil for 2 minutes. 
  • Remove from the heat and let cool. 
  • Place the chicken pieces into a covered bowl or zip-close bag and cover with the brine. 
  • Refrigerate about 3 hours. 
  • Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Always season again before grilling with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 
  • Very lightly oil the skin with olive oil, then grill, skin side down for 7 or 8 minutes to get a nice char. 
  • Turn and let cook 10 or 12 more minutes until the internal temperature is 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. 
  • Cut the 3 lemons in half and grill them cut side down. 
  • Serve chicken on a wooden board or platter. Garnish with grilled lemon and lots of torn herbs. 
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