whole turkey Archives - Family Dinners Delicious Dinners Families Love Tue, 13 Jun 2023 22:26:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://familydinners.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.png whole turkey Archives - Family Dinners 32 32 Convection Oven Turkey https://familydinners.com/convection-oven-turkey/ https://familydinners.com/convection-oven-turkey/#respond Tue, 20 Sep 2022 17:56:49 +0000 https://familydinners.com/?p=17040 Learn how to make a perfectly cooked convection oven turkey. It only takes 10 minutes of prep time and turns out tender and moist.

The post Convection Oven Turkey appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> This perfectly cooked convection oven turkey comes out with slightly crispy skin as well as moist and tender meat. Not only does the turkey cook in less time than in the convection oven compared to a regular oven, there is also no need to baste the bird over and over again. The hot dry air of the convection oven sears the turkey on the outside and therefore locks in all the juices. You will be surprised how easy it is to make the perfect turkey. Trust us, this is the best convection oven turkey recipe!

convection oven roasted turkey on a serving platter on a table with fresh herbs

How To Defrost A Turkey

There are three safe ways to defrost a frozen turkey. The amount of time it takes will vary depending on the size of the bird.

How to defrost a turkey in the refrigerator. Keep the turkey in its original packaging. Place the turkey breast side up in a container or pan to catch any drips. It will take a full 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. A 20 pound turkey will take 4 days to thaw. Once it is defrosted you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 more days.

How to defrost a turkey in cold water. Keep the turkey in it’s original packaging. Place it in a larger plastic bag that is leak proof. Try to get all the air out of the bag and seal. Place the bag breast side down in a sink or container large enough for the turkey to be completely under water. Fill your container with cold water. Change the cold water every 30 minutes. It will take about 30 minutes for every pound of turkey. A 20 pound turkey will take 10 hours this way. You might need to place something heavy on the turkey to keep it under water. Cook immediately after thawing.

How to defrost a turkey in the microwave. Firstly, remove the plastic packaging from the turkey. Additionally, remove any metal tags or clips. Place the turkey breast side up in a microwave safe container to catch drips. Every microwave is different so read the manual for your microwave. It should take an hour to an hour and a half to defrost in a microwave but it depends on the microwave. Clean your microwave well when it is thawed. Cook immediately after thawing.

cooked whole turkey on a serving platter

Why You’ll Love This

  • Notable: Perfectly cooked turkey with crispy skin as well as moist and tender meat. Cook multiple dishes in the convection oven at the same time as the turkey.
  • Main Ingredients: whole turkey, butter, salt and pepper
  • Cooking Method: oven baked, convection cooking
  • Nutrients: excellent source of protein, 70g per serving
  • Cooking Time: depends on the size of the turkey and its temperature when entering the oven: 12-14 lbs turkey – 2-2.5 hours, 15-19 lbs turkey – 2.5-3 hours, 20-25 lbs turkey 3 – 3.5 hours
  • Pairs well with: mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, corn
  • Diets: keto friendly, gluten free
  • Special Equipment Needed: instant-read thermometer, high heat thermometer, sheet pan, baking rack, shallow roasting pan
cooked turkey on a baking rack over a baking sheet
roast turkey on a serving platter on a table

Ingredients

You may have all of these convection oven Thanksgiving turkey ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts and print the recipe.

  • Refrigerated/Frozen Ingredients: butter
  • Meat Ingredients: whole turkey
  • Spices: salt and pepper
ingredients for a convection oven roast turkey

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you want your turkey bursting with flavor, you have to try our Turkey Injection Recipe. It creates the juiciest meat and adds immense flavor to your bird.

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Sheet pan or roasting pan with a baking rack – We recommend using a baking rack rather than setting the turkey right on the pan as it allows the heat to circulate under the turkey ensuring even cooking. Additionally, it helps crisp up the skin all around the turkey.

Instructions

This section shows how to cook a whole turkey in the convection oven, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below. You can print the recipe with or without photos.

PREPARE: Firstly, preheat the oven to 325°F on convection bake setting. Then rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Next, place the bird in a deep roasting pan or a baking rack on a baking sheet or shallow roasting pan. Tie its legs together with kitchen twine. Tie its legs together with kitchen twine.

It is best to lift the bird up out of the bottom of the pan. The juices will drip down into the pan, but the turkey skin will stay dry, allowing the entire turkey to crisp up nicely. You can then use those pan juices to make gravy to serve with your favorite side dishes.

raw turkey on a baking rack over a baking sheet
cooked convection oven turkey on a platter with cranberries and fresh rosemary on the side

SEASON AND ROAST: Rub the turkey with butter and season with salt and pepper. (You can substitute olive oil for the butter.) Be sure to rub the seasoning inside the body cavity as well.

Then adjust the oven rack so the turkey will sit in the middle of the oven. Cook turkey until the thickest parts of the breast are 165°F and the thighs are at least 170°F.

REST AND SERVE: Finally, allow the turkey to rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. Serve.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: Follow our amazing Dry Brine Turkey Recipe for an easy way to add more flavor to your turkey. This delicious blend of salt, pepper and herbs enhances flavor and creates the most juicy meat.

Cooking Turkey in the Convection Oven vs. Regular Oven

A convection oven works very similar to an air fryer. A fan circulates dry, hot air around the food and therefore cooks more evenly and quicker (25-30% faster) than a conventional oven. Additionally, a convection oven cooks the turkey at a lower temperature (325ºF) than a regular oven (350ºF). By circulating hot air around a whole turkey, it “sears” the outside shut and therefore locks in all the juices. For that reason, there is no need to keep basting a convection oven turkey. Besides circulating hot air, a convection oven also has an exhaust vent to eliminate moisture from the oven. This keeps the skin crisp. While a regular oven often creates hot spots (areas that are hotter than others within the oven) a convection oven circulates heat evenly – how wonderful to have your dark meat and white meat cook to moist perfection.. This makes it also possible to cook more than one dish at the same time.

Cooking Turkey in a Crockpot

It is also possible to cook a turkey in the slow cooker. Simply rinse, dry and season the fresh turkey. Then cook for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high until the internal temperature is at least 165ºF in the breast and 170ºF in the thigh. Broil for 10 minutes to crisp up the skin and serve. For detailed instructions take a look at our Crockpot Thanksgiving Turkey recipe.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best convection oven turkey.

  • Tip: Make sure your turkey is completely defrosted. This ensures even cooking. We added tips on how to safely defrost a turkey above.
  • Tip: Truss the turkey. Tying the drum sticks together with some kitchen twine ensures even cooking and a well shaped cooked turkey.
  • Tip: Make sure the skin of the turkey doesn’t burn. Loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil if it browns too quickly.
  • Tip: Don’t skip the resting time. A 5-10 minute rest will seal in the juices and make the turkey extra juicy.

Thanksgiving Menu Suggestions:

If you are still working on your Thanksgiving menu for this year, take a look at all these yummy recipes from our website. They are all tried and tested as well as easy to make and absolutely delicious!

TURKEY:

If you are hosting only a few people this holiday, try our Convection Oven Roast Chicken, instead of a turkey. It is juicy, tender, and delicious.

SIDES:

DRINKS:

DESSERTS:

Stef says….

No Thanksgiving menu is complete without at least one scrumptious stuffing or dressing. I love my Thanksgiving Stovetop Stuffing, because it’s a delicious medley of sauteed vegetables, giblets, and sweet cranberries with pre-made Stovetop stuffing mix. Besides being quick and easy to make, it’s also absolutely delicious!

How To Store

Refrigerate: To begin with, it is important to make sure your cooked turkey is completely cold before putting in the refrigerator. Transfer any leftover meat to an airtight container or ziploc bag and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Turkey leftovers are great eaten cold or cooked into a new recipe.

Freeze: Leftover turkey meat can be frozen in a freezer safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Defrosting: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat: Reheat leftovers in the microwave, air fryer, oven or stovetop.

cooked convection oven turkey on a serving platter

Common Questions

Do I need to baste the turkey while cooking?

No, generally there is no need to baste a turkey cooking in the convection oven. The circulating hot air sears the outside of the turkey and therefore locks in all its juices. However, if you are using a special marinade or sauce, baste the turkey during the last hour of roasting.

How can I use up leftover turkey meat?

You can use turkey meat to make delicious turkey sandwiches, for example. Top meat with leftover potatoes, cranberry sauce and veggies. Add some mustard or mayonnaise and enjoy! Furthermore, you can also turn turkey leftovers into turkey chili, enchiladas, turkey noodle soup or top your favorite pizza with it.

roast turkey on a serving platter on a table
Print

Convection Oven Turkey Recipe

Convection oven roasted turkey comes out crispy and golden brown with incredibly tender and juicy meat. You can cook multiple dishes in the convection oven at the same time.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose
Keyword convection oven roasted turkey, convection oven turkey, how long to cook a turkey in a convection oven at 325ºF, how to cook a turkey in the convection oven
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 480kcal
Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • baking rack
  • instant read thermometer

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey about 10 lbs, thawed
  • 2 tablespoon butter softened
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • or Dry Brine Recipe optional
  • or Turkey Injection Recipe optional

Instructions

  • Preheat convection oven to 325°F on convection bake settings.
  • Rinse turkey inside and outside and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Place turkey on a roasting pan or a baking rack on a baking sheet. To ensure even cooking tie the drumsticks together with some kitchen twine.
  • Rub turkey first with butter then season with salt and pepper.
    raw turkey on a baking rack over a baking sheet
  • Adjust oven racks so turkey will sit in the middle of the oven.
  • Cook turkey checking it about every 30 minutes to make sure it is not getting too brown. If the turkey is getting too dark, tent with aluminum foil.
  • Using an instant read thermometer, test the turkey breast and drumstick for doneness 30 minutes before the end of the roasting time. The turkey is done when the breast is 165°F down in the center and the legs are at least 170°F.
    cooked turkey on a baking rack over a baking sheet
  • Allow turkey to rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. Serve.
    cooked whole turkey on a serving platter

Notes

Cooking Time depends on the size of the turkey and the temperature it has when going into the oven:
12-14 pound turkey – 2-2.5 hours
15-19 pound turkey – 2.5-3 hours
20-25 pound turkey – 3-3.5 hours


Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 70g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 239mg | Sodium: 674mg | Potassium: 725mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 269IU | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 3mg

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]]> https://familydinners.com/convection-oven-turkey/feed/ 0 Crockpot Thanksgiving Turkey https://familydinners.com/crockpot-thanksgiving-turkey/ https://familydinners.com/crockpot-thanksgiving-turkey/#comments Fri, 16 Sep 2022 13:01:54 +0000 https://familydinners.com/?p=17343 Learn how to make delicious and juicy crockpot Thanksgiving turkey. In only takes 5 minutes of prep time and comes out tender and moist.

The post Crockpot Thanksgiving Turkey appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> Learn how to cook a crispy crockpot turkey that comes out tender, moist and full of flavor. It is one of the easiest ways to prepare a turkey dinner, especially for a smaller crowd.

It cooks completely hands off in the slow cooker for 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After the initial cook time, it only takes 10 minutes under the broiler to crisp up the top of the turkey and this delicious recipe is ready to serve.

crockpot thanksgiving turkey in the slow cooker

While the turkey slow cooks, there is no more need to stress out over oven space. You can easily get all your sides done without having to worry about oven space. This is the best crockpot Thanksgiving turkey recipe and it will undoubtedly be a hit at this year’s holiday dinner.

How To Defrost A Turkey

There are three safe ways to defrost a turkey.

How to defrost a turkey in the refrigerator. Keep the turkey in its original packaging. Place the turkey breast side up in a container or pan to catch any drips. It will take a full 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. A 20 pound turkey will take 4 days to thaw. Once it is defrosted you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 more days. (This method is generally regarded as the best way to defrost a frozen turkey.)

How to defrost a turkey in cold water. Keep the bird in its original packaging. Place turkey in a larger plastic bag that is leak proof. Try to get all the air out of the bag and seal. Place the bag breast side down in a sink or container large enough for the entire turkey to be completely under water. Fill your container with cold water. Change the cold water every 30 minutes. It will take about 30 minutes for every pound of turkey. A 20 pound turkey will take 10 hours this way. You might need to place something heavy on the turkey to keep it under water. Cook immediately after thawing.

How to defrost a turkey in the microwave. Firstly, remove the plastic packaging from the turkey. Additionally, remove any metal tags or clips. Place the turkey breast side up in a microwave safe container to catch drips. Every microwave is different so read the manual for your microwave. It should take an hour to an hour and a half to defrost in a microwave but it depends on the microwave. Clean your microwave well when it is thawed. Cook immediately after thawing.

close up of cooked turkey in a crockpot

Why You’ll Love This

  • Notable: juicy and flavorful turkey with crispy skin
  • Main Ingredients: whole turkey, butter, paprika, salt and pepper
  • Cooking Method: Crockpot
  • Nutrients: excellent source of protein, 70g per serving
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time, cooking time: 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
  • Pairs well with: all of your favorite side dishes: mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, sweet potatoes, corn, green bean casserole
  • Diets: keto friendly, gluten free
  • Special Equipment Needed: slow cooker, high heat thermometer, instant read thermometer sheet pan
close up of a cooked crockpot thanksgiving turkey

Ingredients

You may have all of these crockpot Thanksgiving turkey ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts and print the recipe.

  • Refrigerated/Frozen Ingredients: butter
  • Meat Ingredients: whole turkey
  • Spices: paprika, salt and pepper
ingredients for crockpot thanksgiving turkey

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: Another great addition to a Thanksgiving celebration is a festive drink. Have you tried our scrumptious Thanksgiving Sangria yet? It is a bold blend of red wine, sparkling cider, rum and cranberries with a hint of spice!

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Crockpot — This recipe requires a slow cooker. We use a 6 qt. basic Crockpot brand slow cooker. It works wonderfully. If you’re planning to take your Crockpot to potlucks you’ll want to check out this one that has a locking lid. A slow cooker has an inner pot called the crock. Neither the crock nor the lid are oven safe on most machines. Do not put them in the oven.

Instructions

This section shows how to cook thanksgiving turkey in the slow cooker, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below. You can print this slow cooker recipe with or without photos.

PREPARE: Firstly, rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Next, place the bird into the bottom of the slow cooker with the breast side up. Then tie its legs together with kitchen twine. You might need to tuck its wings under to get the lid on, depending on the size of the turkey.

spice mix drizzled over raw turkey in the slow cooker
spices rubbed all over the raw turkey

SEASON AND COOK: Combine melted butter, salt, pepper and paprika in a small bowl. Then, drizzle butter mixture onto turkey and rub all over to coat. Place the lid on the slow cooker tightly. In case it does not fit on tightly, cover with foil to prevent steam from leaking out. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Afterwards, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey in the center of the turkey breast. The temperature should be at least 165° in the breast and 170° in the thighs.

cooked turkey in a slow cooker before broiling
crockpot thanksgiving turkey in the slow cooker

BROIL AND REST: Turn the oven to broil. Remove the turkey from the crock and place on a baking sheet or roasting pan. It is awkward to lift the turkey out of the crock while it is hot. You may need 2 sets of tongs or a second person to help. Broil for 10 minutes until the skin is deep golden brown. Finally, allow the turkey to rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. Serve.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: In case you are looking for a delicious and nutritious side dish for the holidays then you’ll love our Fall Fruit Salad. This colorful fruit salad is full of apples and citrus flavors. A homemade dressing adds sweetness and warm fall spices.

Convection Oven Turkey

Another great way to cook a turkey is in the convection oven. It cooks the turkey faster than a conventional oven and sears the outside of the bird for extra crispy skin. Therefore, there is no need to keep basting the turkey while cooking. For detailed instructions take a look at our Convection Oven Turkey post.

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best crockpot Thanksgiving turkey.

  • Tip: Make sure your turkey is completely defrosted. This ensures even cooking. We added tips on how to safely defrost a turkey above.
  • Tip: Truss the turkey. Tying the drum sticks together with some kitchen twine ensures even cooking and a well shaped cooked turkey. Additionally, it makes it easier to fit the turkey into the slow cooker.
  • Tip: Make sure the skin of the turkey doesn’t burn. Closely watch the turkey under the broiler. You want the skin to turn crisp but not to burn.
  • Tip: Don’t skip the resting time. A 5-10 minute rest will seal in the juices and make the turkey extra juicy.

In case you want to make a whole Thanksgiving meal, serve this scrumptious turkey with Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Green Beans, Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes, Cornbread Muffins, and Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes.

Andrea says….

When I put this turkey on the table for my family my kids just kept raving about how it was the best turkey they’ve ever eaten. Cooking it in the crockpot makes it so moist and juicy. It’s not the prettiest turkey but it is the tastiest!

How To Store

Refrigerate: To begin with, it is important to make sure your turkey is completely cold. Then transfer any leftover turkey meat to an airtight container or ziploc bag and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Turkey leftovers are great to eat on their own or cook them into another recipe.

Freeze: Leftover crockpot thanksgiving turkey meat can be frozen in a freezer safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Defrosting: Thaw cooked turkey in the refrigerator overnight.

How To Reheat

Reheat turkey leftovers in the microwave, air fryer, oven or stovetop.

close up of cooked turkey in a crockpot

Common Questions

Does a turkey easily overcook in the crockpot?

Actually, the exact opposite! Because the turkey is cooked at such a low temperature, it doesn’t matter if you leave it in there for a bit longer. The meat will still come out tender and juicy.

How can I use up leftover turkey meat?

You can use turkey meat to make delicious turkey sandwiches, for example. Top meat with leftover potatoes, cranberry sauce and veggies. Add some mustard or mayonnaise and enjoy! Furthermore, you can also turn turkey leftovers into turkey chili, enchiladas, turkey noodle soup or top your favorite pizza with it.

Is it possible to make a turkey gravy with crockpot turkey?

Yes, of course. In fact, you can make the best gravy using the juices left in the the crockpot. Firstly, you make a roux, then add 1 cup of the slow cooker juices and whisk until smooth. Add more cooking liquid until you reach your desired gravy consistency. You are basically making a white sauce using crock pot drippings instead of milk. Finally finish your gravy by adjusting spices, add salt and black pepper, and maybe add a little heavy cream. Using the turkey’s own juices will beat a gravy packet recipe any day!

close up of cooked turkey in a crockpot
Print

Crockpot Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Flavorful, tender and moist Thanksgiving turkey made in the slow cooker. A crockpot turkey is an easy way to free up space in your oven for your other side dishes.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, keto
Diet Gluten Free
Keyword crockpot turkey, slow cooker turkey, turkey cooked in the crockpot, turkey in a slow cooker, turkey in crockpot, turkey in slow cooker
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 505kcal
Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • small bowl
  • meat thermometer
  • sheet pan
  • kitchen tongs

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey 8-10 pounds
  • 4 tablespoon butter melted
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  • Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Place turkey in crockpot with the breast side up. Tie its legs together with some kitchen twine. You might need to tuck the turkey wings down under the bird to get the lid on.
  • Combine melted butter, salt, pepper and paprika in a small bowl.
  • Drizzle butter mixture onto turkey.
    spice mix drizzled over raw turkey in the slow cooker
  • Rub all over the bird to coat.
    spices rubbed all over the raw turkey
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker. Make sure it is on tightly. If it does not fit on tightly, cover with foil to prevent steam from leaking out.
  • Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
    raw turkey in a slow cooker
  • Check the temperature of the turkey in the center of the turkey breast. The temperature should be at least 165° in the breast and 170° in the legs.
  • Turn oven to broil. Remove the turkey from the crock and place on a baking sheet. Broil for 10 minutes until skin begins to crisp.
    close up of a cooked crockpot thanksgiving turkey
  • Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • Do not put the crockpot insert into the oven.
  • To transfer the cooked turkey to the baking sheet to broil, place the baking sheet right next to the crockpot. The turkey will be hot. Use 2 sets of tongs or get someone to help you so you don’t drop the turkey.
  • The turkey will cook a few more degrees while it’s broiling.
  • Allow turkey to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition

Calories: 505kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.2g | Protein: 70g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 247mg | Sodium: 551mg | Potassium: 728mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 376IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Crockpot Thanksgiving Turkey appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> https://familydinners.com/crockpot-thanksgiving-turkey/feed/ 1 Turkey Injection Recipe https://familydinners.com/turkey-injection-recipe/ https://familydinners.com/turkey-injection-recipe/#respond Sun, 11 Sep 2022 17:55:00 +0000 https://familydinners.com/?p=17274 Flavorful blend of melted butter, chicken broth and spices bring the juiciness of roast turkey to another level.

The post Turkey Injection Recipe appeared first on Family Dinners.

]]> One of the secrets to the perfect Thanksgiving turkey is injection. Follow this best turkey injection recipe to make a quick and easy marinade. Then inject your turkey multiple times with this flavorful mixture of butter, chicken broth and spices. This injection liquid gives your turkey immense flavor and guarantees the juiciest most tender meat. Using this simple but rewarding injection technique, you can turn your next Thanksgiving turkey into an incredible meal that all your guests will love.

injecting butter mixture into turkey

What is a Turkey Injection Marinade?

Turkey injection marinade is usually a butter based mixture that can also contain chicken broth, garlic powder, pepper or other seasonings. Using a meat injector (large syringe), the injection mix is directly injected into the meat to add flavor and keep the meat juicy and moist during cooking. It is especially helpful to keep breast meat of whole turkeys and chickens from drying out while roasting.

Roasted turkey on a counter.

Why You’ll Love This

  • Notable: turkey meat turns out moist and tender with a hint of garlic
  • Main Ingredients: low sodium chicken broth, unsalted butter, garlic powder, black pepper and salt
  • Cooking Method: no bake
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes prep time, and 10 minutes resting time
  • Pairs well with: whole roast turkey
  • Diets: keto friendly, gluten free
  • Special Equipment Needed: mixing bowl, whisk, meat injector syringe
stirring turkey injection marinade
roast turkey on a serving platter on a table

Ingredients

You may have all of these turkey injection recipe ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store. See recipe card below for ingredient amounts and print the recipe.

  • Pantry Ingredients: low sodium chicken broth or chicken stock
  • Refrigerated/Frozen Ingredients: unsalted butter, you can substitute olive oil
  • Spices: garlic powder, black pepper and salt
ingredients for turkey injection recipe

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: Combine this turkey injection technique with one of our other turkey recipes – like our amazing Convection Oven Turkey recipe. It makes the most flavorful and juicy turkey with crispy skin.

Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale.

Meat Injector Syringe – This recipe requires a meat injector. We used a stainless steel injector as it is easy to use and comes apart for quick and thorough clean up. Our injector has a variety of tips with different size holes so that you can select the right one that will allow the dry ingredients in your injection solution to pass through.

Instructions

This section shows how to make turkey injection marinade, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below. You can print the recipe with or without photos.

PREPARE THE MARINADE: Firstly, melt butter in a small saucepan. Then whisk together melted butter and chicken broth in a small bowl. Next, add garlic powder, salt and a teaspoon of black pepper and stir. Let rest for 10 minutes. Before using, whisk thoroughly once more.

stirring turkey injection marinade
filling a meat injector syringe with the butter blend

INJECT THE TURKEY: Prepare the turkey by rinsing it and patting it dry with a paper towel. Then load marinade into the meat injector, and slowly inject into multiple spots in the turkey. You can lift the turkey skin so you don’t pierce it. We just selected a central spot in the turkey breast and then pierced through the skin, but went in at different angles to infuse every side of the breast. You can feel and see the breast swell in the areas where the injection sauce is going in. Discard any leftover marinade.

injecting butter mixture into turkey
cooked turkey on a serving platter with herbs and cranberries on the side

CHILL: Cover outside of the turkey with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Marinate the injected turkey in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: One of our favorite side dishes with roast turkey is Creamy Mashed Potatoes. They are rich, creamy and seasoned to perfection.

Make Ahead

You can make the marinade and inject it into your turkey up to 6 hours ahead of time. Make sure you cover the whole turkey tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. After the turkey has set, you can pop him into your roasting pan and proceed with your favorite cooking method.

Andrea says….

This simple injection technique makes a huge difference in how juicy the meat of a roast turkey turns out. Not only does it add moisture, it also adds just the right hint of garlic and pepper to the turkey. It really turns a plain turkey into a spectacular meal!

Recipe Tips

Follow these tips to make the best turkey injection recipe.

  • Tip: Make sure the marinade is smooth. If the butter is not completely melted or there are any larger bits of spices in the marinade the injector needle might clog.
  • Tip: Inject the marinade into the breast meat multiple times. Breast meat has a tendency of drying out during cooking, injecting marinade helps prevent that.
  • Tip: Allow more resting time. The turkey absorbs more of the marinade when it rests a bit longer. (up to 6 hours)

Pair this Thanksgiving Stovetop Stuffing with your chicken or turkey recipe.

How To Store

We recommend preparing this turkey injection recipe fresh, right before using. Do not save leftover turkey injection marinade.

cooked whole turkey on a serving platter

Common Questions

Can I save any leftover marinade for a later use?

Unfortunately that is not possible. While injecting the turkey with marinade the injector needle touches raw poultry and therefore comes in direct contact with unsafe bacteria, like salmonella for example. The bacteria is then transfered from the poultry to the marinade when you reload your meat injector. It is therefore very important to discard any leftovers.

What other spices can I add to the marinade?

You can also try adding lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, paprika, smoked paprika, or onion powder. For a spicy bird, add a little fire with some chili powder, cayenne pepper, cajun seasoning or hot sauce. Additionally you can try Worcestershire sauce or finely ground dried herbs (don’t use fresh herbs here) such as thyme, rosemary, basil, sage or oregano. Make sure there are no large bits though, as they might clog the injection needle. The options for a flavorful marinade are limitless – making your own turkey brines is one of the easiest things you can do to make a juice bird this holiday season.

How long does an injected turkey need to rest before roasting in the oven?

We recommend letting the turkey chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours. Let the turkey marinate a bit longer than 30 minutes for more flavorful meat.

Roasted turkey on a counter.
Print

Turkey Injection Recipe

Flavorful blend of melted butter, chicken broth and spices bring the juiciness of roast turkey to another level.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, keto
Diet Gluten Free
Keyword how to inject a turkey, turkey injection marinade, turkey injection recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 1 turkey
Calories 876kcal
Author Andrea + Stef

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • meat injector (syringe)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter and chicken broth.
  • Add garlic powder, salt and black pepper and stir. Let stand for 10 minutes, and stir through once more before using.
    stirring turkey injection marinade
  • Prepare the turkey by rinsing and patting it dry with paper towels. Load marinade into the meat injector, and slowly inject into multiple spots in the turkey. We gently lifted the turkey skin so we didn’t have to pierce the skin. Be sure to really work the breast meat. Discard extra.
    injecting butter mixture into turkey
  • Cover and refrigerate. Marinate turkey in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 6 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 876kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 94g | Saturated Fat: 59g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 244mg | Sodium: 669mg | Potassium: 328mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2847IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg

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]]> https://familydinners.com/turkey-injection-recipe/feed/ 0 Dry Brine Turkey Recipe https://familydinners.com/dry-brine-turkey/ https://familydinners.com/dry-brine-turkey/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2021 03:29:14 +0000 https://familydinners.com/?p=1375 This is the best way to get a deliciously seasoned, golden and moist turkey!

The post Dry Brine Turkey Recipe appeared first on Family Dinners.

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When searching for easy turkey recipes with the best turkey seasoning or best turkey brine, don’t skip over dry brine turkey! If you’ve never tried it then now is the time. This delicious, moist Thanksgiving turkey recipe will teach you the best seasonings, what temperature to cook a turkey and how long to cook a turkey.

Plus, get tips on how to refrigerate, freeze and how to defrost a turkey.

collage. top image of turkey slices on a white round plate with turkey in the background. Next image of closeup of slices into the turkey breast with two prong fork holding it open. Third image of full golden roasted turkey on bed of greens.
Golden roasted turkey with moist breast meat.

Enjoy dry brine turkey as a full Thanksgiving turkey meal:

  • Side Dish: Mashed Potatoes– This classic side dish is colorful and full of flavor!
  • Side Dish: Brussels Sprouts– Get your greens with this delicious Brussels sprouts recipe with pecans and cranberries.
  • Bread: Garlic Knots – These make a delicious dinner roll!
  • Drink: Spiked Apple Cider – This is a must have adult drink for the holidays.
  • Dessert: Apple Pie – This needs no introduction! This easy apple pie is just what your Thanksgiving turkey needs as a chaser.
  • Dessert: Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes – Every Thanksgiving meal needs pumpkin pie. These little individual servings are fun and tasty.
beautiful golden roasted turkey with dry rub turkey seasoning on a bed of greens
Gorgeous golden roasted turkey has the perfect seasoning and color.

What Is Dry Brine Turkey?

When searching for easy turkey recipes (let’s skip the giant vat of boiling oil, shall we?) you’ll run into a few terms that you’ll need to know.

Turkey brine: Brining is soaking your turkey in saline water (salt water) overnight. The turkey will absorb some of the water and the salt is supposed to make the turkey contract less while it’s in the oven. Some people love brining but many believe the extra juiciness in the turkey is watery. But, if you want to do the best turkey brine, just find a container large enough to fit your whole turkey, mix kosher salt 1 cup to 1 gallon of water plus your favorite seasonings. Some people even add a dry Reisling to the brine. Dissolve the salt, put the Thanksgiving turkey into the brine and find some way to keep it refrigerator cold over night. Then rinse well before cooking.

Turkey seasoning: We consider it turkey seasoning when you put the seasoning on the turkey or under the skin right before you cook the turkey. This is the type of seasoning you’ll find in most easy turkey recipes.

Dry brine turkey: Dry brining is spreading a dry salt and turkey seasoning on the turkey under the skin for a day or two before cooking. This adds all the flavor and helps make it juicier without watering it down. Dry brine turkey can be done as your turkey is defrosting as well, as long as the outside is defrosted. Read below for how to defrost a turkey.

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How To Defrost A Turkey

There are three safe ways to defrost a turkey.

How to defrost a turkey in the refrigerator. Keep the turkey in its original packaging. Place the turkey breast side up in a container or pan to catch any drips. It will take a full 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. A 20 pound turkey will take 4 days to thaw. Once it is defrosted you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 more days.

How to defrost a turkey in cold water. Keep the turkey in it’s original packaging. Place it in a larger plastic bag that is leak proof. Try to get all the air out of the bag and seal. Place the bag breast side down in a sink or container large enough for the turkey to be completely under water. Fill your container with cold water. Change the cold water every 30 minutes. It will take about 30 minutes for every pound of turkey. A 20 pound turkey will take 10 hours this way. You might need to place something heavy on the turkey to keep it under water. Cook immediately after thawing.

How to defrost a turkey in the microwave. Remove the plastic packaging from the turkey. Remove any metal tags or clips. Place the turkey breast side up in a microwave safe container to catch drips. Every microwave is different so read the manual for your microwave. It should take an hour to an hour and a half to defrost in a microwave but it depends on the microwave. Clean your microwave well when it is thawed. Cook immediately after thawing.

beautiful golden roasted turkey on a bed of greens for a Thanksgiving turkey

Dry Brine Turkey Seasoning Ingredients:

  • Turkey: While we do like cooking turkey breast sometimes, you’ll need a whole turkey to dry brine a turkey.
  • Spices: Whole black peppercorns, thyme, sage, rosemary and salt.
raw whole turkey on white paper with seasonings sitting next to it.
Dry rub turkey ingredients.

FAQs About Home Cooked Turkey

How long can you refrigerate turkey after cooking?

After your dry brine turkey is cooled, store in a container with a lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Can you freeze cooked turkey?

After your Thanksgiving turkey has completely cooled, wrap tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator.

How do you make seasoned turkey gluten free?

This turkey recipe is naturally gluten free.

How do you make dry brined turkey dairy free?

This turkey recipe is naturally dairy free.

Do you rinse a dry brined turkey?

No, resist the temptation to rinse your dry brined turkey.

How long should I dry brine my turkey?

If you only have one day then that will have to do but more time is better to allow the salt and seasonings to permeate down through more layers of the meat. If you can brine for 2-3 days that is best. Consider beginning the dry brine before your turkey is fully defrosted then continue brining for 2 days after it is defrosted.

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Delightful mini pumpkin pie cupcakes make the perfect holiday dessert or Thanksgiving dessert but is a fun mini dessert that you can eat all year round! If you love a good pumpkin pie recipe try this!
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How to Make Dry Brine Turkey:

Step 1: Use a mortar and pestle to grind and mix black peppercorns, dry, and fresh herbs.

Step 2: Stir ground spice mixture with the kosher salt.

Dry rub spices mixed for the raw turkey.

Step 3: Rinse and pat dry the turkey. Be sure that you have removed the giblets.

Step 4: Slide your hands between the turkey skin and the breast meat to loosen the skin and create as much separation as possible.

hand putting spices in the raw turkey between skin and breast
Dry rub spices being put into the turkey skin.

Step 5: Rub the salt mixture evenly over the breast meat, leg meat, and as far as you can reach between the skin and meat. Rub some of the salt mixture inside the neck and body cavities. You can also rub some of the mixture over the outside of the skin.

Step 6: Place the prepared turkey in a pan or dish and set in the refrigerator to brine for at least 24 hours.

two images. Raw turkey read to go into the oven on the left and golden roasted turkey on the right side.
Turkey before and after.

Step 7: Proceed with cooking the turkey using whichever method you prefer. Do not rinse the brine from the turkey before cooking.

Step 8: One of the most contested things about cooking a turkey is what temperature to cook a turkey. Our preferred cooking method is to roast at 325°F until cooked (typically about 3-4 hours for a 15-pound turkey). We like to baste the turkey every 30 minutes with its juices. Some turkeys will cook up quickly so if you have an instant read thermometer check the turkey a little early to make sure you don’t overcook.

Make sure the temperature of the turkey breast is 165 degrees. Do not eat undercooked poultry.

Ways to Use Thanksgiving Turkey Leftovers

  • Turkey Sandwiches: Top the leftover rolls with turkey, cranberries and mashed potatoes, stuffing, dijon mustard and mayonnaise.
  • Turkey Noodle Soup: Chop up carrots, onion and celery and sauté in a stock pot. Combine turkey broth, egg noodles and turkey to make soup. Add a little garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, oregano and a. bay leaf.
  • Turkey Shepherd’s Pie: Make our shepherd’s pie recipe and sub the beef for turkey.
  • Turkey Enchiladas: Substitute turkey for the chicken in our favorite enchiladas recipe.
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golden roasted turkey on a bed of greens and red cranberries and rosemary and sage
Print

Dry Brine Turkey Recipe

The easiest way to brine your turkey is with this simple dry salt and spice mixture – makes a perfect, juicy turkey!
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword dry brine turkey recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Chill Time 1 day
Servings 15
Calories 456kcal
Author Andrea + Stef

Ingredients

  • 15 pound whole turkey thawed
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1-2 teaspoons ground thyme, dried sage, or other dried herbs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary and/or fresh sage finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt

Instructions

  • Use a mortar and pestal to grind and mix black peppercorns, dry, and fresh herbs.
  • Stir ground spice mixture with the kosher salt.
  • Rinse and pat dry the turkey. Be sure that you have removed the giblets.
  • Slide your hands between the turkey skin and the breast meat to loosen the skin and create as much separation as possible.
  • Rub the salt mixture evenly over the breast meat, leg meat, and as far as you can reach between the skin and meat. Rub some of the salt mixture inside the neck and body cavities. You can also rub some of the mixture over the outside of the skin.
  • Place the prepared turkey in a pan or dish and set in the refrigerator to brine for about 24 hours.
  • Proceed with cooking the turkey using whichever method you prefer. Do not rinse the brine from the turkey before cooking.
  • Our preferred cooking method is to roast at 325°F until cooked (typically about 3-4 hours for a 15-pound turkey). We like to baste the turkey every 30 minutes with its juices.

Notes

Use kosher salt only, which is much coarser than a sea salt or table salt.  We like the Diamond Crystal brand, which is readily available at most grocery stores.  

Nutrition

Calories: 456kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 70g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 232mg | Sodium: 1756mg | Potassium: 732mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 191IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 3mg
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