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Best Turkey Injection Marinade

A flavorful and moist turkey injection marinade that infuses your turkey with rich taste, perfect for any special occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner, Holiday, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade

  • 1 cup chicken stock Use low-sodium if preferred
  • 4 tablespoons salted butter Melted
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
  • teaspoon onion powder

For Stuffing and Garnish

  • 2 pieces lemons Halved
  • 2 pieces Granny Smith apples Quartered
  • 1 large white onion Quartered
  • 15 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 10 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 10 sprigs fresh sage

For the Dry Rub

  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • teaspoons ground black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder

For Garnish

  • to taste Cranberries For garnish
  • to taste Rosemary For garnish
  • to taste Thyme For garnish
  • to taste Sage For garnish
  • to taste Lemon Sliced for garnish

For the Turkey

  • 1 whole turkey 12-25lb, fresh or thawed

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a saucepan, combine chicken stock, butter, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and onion powder. Heat gently until the butter has melted and everything is mixed well.

Injecting the Turkey

  • Using a meat injector, draw the marinade into the injector. Insert the needle deep into the turkey breast, legs, and thighs, injecting the marinade in several spots.

Stuffing the Turkey

  • Stuff the turkey with halved lemons, quartered apples, and onion, along with fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, and sage).

Making the Dry Rub

  • In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the turkey's skin for extra flavor.

Roasting the Turkey

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook it according to its weight (about 13-15 minutes per pound). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part.

Serving

  • Once your turkey is perfectly roasted, let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving.
  • Serve slices of turkey alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

Notes

Choose a fresh turkey for better results and allow it to rest after cooking for juiciness. Experiment with different herbs and spices as desired.
Keyword Holiday Recipe, Injection Marinade, Moist Turkey, Thanksgiving Turkey, Turkey Marinade