Perfect Chicken Brine

Ingredients

• 16 cups water
• 3/4 cup kosher salt
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 2 heads garlic, crushed and chopped
• 1/4 cup dried sage, or to taste
• 1/4 cup dried basil, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 large bay leaf

Directions

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

Remove pot from heat and cover with a lid. Cool brine at room temperature for 2 hours before refrigerating to cool completely.