Perfect Chicken Brine

Ingredients

• 16 cups water
• 0.75 cups kosher salt
• 0.67 cups white sugar
• 0.25 cups dried sage , or to taste
• 0.25 cups dried basil , or to taste
• 2 heads garlic , crushed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 large bay leaf

Instructions

1. 1

   Bring water, kosher salt, sugar, sage, basil, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf to a simmer in a large pot over medium-high heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until salt and sugar dissolve completely, about 20 minutes.

2. 2

   Remove from heat; cover and let steep for 20 to 30 minutes. Set pot in an ice bath and stir occasionally until brine cools to room temperature, 20 to 30 minutes. Refrigerate until fully chilled before using, at least 1 hour.