Orange Juice and Herb Brined Turkey


Learn how to make this delicious orange juice and herb brined turkey!

preparation

preparation Time
0 mins

cook Time
0 mins

servings
10

calories
232 per serving

ingredients

  • 4 cup orange juice
  • 3 cup water
  • 2 cup kosher salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoons black peppercorns
  • herb sprigs, rosemary, thyme, parsley
  • 1 fresh or frozen turkey (12 to 15 pounds), thawed
  • 5 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
  • 2 onions, quartered
  • 4 carrots, large dice
  • 4 celery stalks, large dice
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • salt and pepper

directions

To brine the turkey, start with a large, clean bucket. Make room for the bucket in your refrigerator -- adjusting shelves if necessary. Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey, and reserve them for another use. In the large bucket, stir the juice, water, salt and sugar until dissolved. Add herb sprigs. Place the turkey in the brine, breast side down. Add more water if the turkey isn't completely submerged in the liquid. Place the bucket in the refrigerator for at least 10 to 12 hours or overnight.

Two hours before you plan to roast, remove the turkey from brine and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey well, inside and out, under cold water for several minutes. Place the turkey on a tray and pat it dry with paper towels. Let it sit out for 1 hour so it dries further, which helps crisp the skin.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place a V-rack in a roasting pan.

Pour 2 cups broth, 1 onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks into the pan. Place the turkey, breast side up, on the rack. Rub with softened butter and chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper. Place the remaining vegetables in the cavity of the bird.

Roast for 30 minutes. Baste with pan juices, and add more broth to the pan, if needed. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Continue roasting 2 to 2 1/2 hours more, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes, until the turkey's internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. If the breast seems to be browning too quickly, cover it with foil.

Transfer turkey to a platter, cover with foil and let it rest at least 15 to 30 minutes before carving.

recipe by

Kari K.


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Kari Karch

Kari Karch is a 19-year veteran of the culinary industry, creator of Kiss the Cook, and the head chef and spokesperson for the Kenmore brand. She has made many notable appearances on ABC Morning News, on WGN, on the Cooking Channel and as a judge for the World Food Championships.