Honey Apple Brined Turkey Recipe

Name: Honey Apple Brined Turkey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock; 3 cups apple cider; 2 cups honey; 2 cups kosher salt; 2 bunches fresh thyme, divided; 1 bunch fresh sage, divided; 10 cloves garlic, peeled, or more to taste; 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper, or more to taste; 4 cups water, or more if needed; 1 (20 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed; 2 oranges, halved; 2 lemons, halved, or more to taste; 2 teaspoons olive oil, or more as needed; salt and ground black pepper to taste

Servings: persons

1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock
3 cups apple cider
2 cups honey
2 cups kosher salt
2 bunches fresh thyme, divided
1 bunch fresh sage, divided
10 cloves garlic, peeled, or more to taste
1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper, or more to taste
4 cups water, or more if needed
1 (20 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
2 oranges, halved
2 lemons, halved, or more to taste
2 teaspoons olive oil, or more as needed
salt and ground black pepper to taste

1
Combine chicken stock, apple cider, honey, and salt in a large bowl; stir until honey is dissolved. Add 1/2 of the thyme, 1/2 of the sage, garlic, and black pepper; stir. Add water and stir until brine is evenly combined.
2
Place turkey in a food-safe cooking bag and pour brine over turkey. Inject the meaty parts of turkey with brine using an injector. Gather bag tightly around turkey so that brine completely surrounds turkey, adding more water if needed. Seal bag, place in a large pot, and refrigerate, 24 to 48 hours.
3
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place a rack in a large 2 1/2-inch deep roasting pan.
4
Remove turkey from brine and pat dry inside and out. Reserve about 1/2 of the brine. Place turkey in a fresh oven-safe baking bag, breast-side down and place on the rack.
5
Squeeze oranges and lemons into the main cavity of the turkey. Place squeezed oranges and lemons, remaining thyme, and remaining sage in the cavity. Lightly coat turkey with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Insert an oven-safe thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
6
Bake in the preheated oven, basting with brine every 30 minutes, for 2 1/2 hours. Flip turkey and continue baking until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 1 to 1 1/2 hours more. The thermometer should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Allow turkey to rest 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.

670

kcal

Calories

Fat

149

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 (32 fluid ounce) container chicken stock, 3 cups apple cider, 2 cups honey, 2 cups kosher salt, and more.

Yes, Honey Apple Brined Turkey falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Honey Apple Brined Turkey

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions