Description
This Mouthwatering Turkey Injection Recipe is the secret to an incredibly juicy, flavorful turkey. By injecting a rich, buttery marinade directly into the meat, every bite becomes moist, tender, and full of delicious seasoning. Whether you’re roasting, smoking, or frying your turkey, this injection keeps it succulent and flavorful. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Injection Marinade
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and whisk in chicken broth, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne, and thyme.
- Stir well and let cool slightly (it should be warm but not hot for easy injection).
2. Inject the Turkey
- Using a meat injector, fill the syringe with the warm marinade.
- Insert the needle into the thickest parts of the turkey, including the breast, thighs, and drumsticks.
- Inject slowly, in multiple spots, making sure to distribute the marinade evenly.
3. Let It Rest
- For best results, let the injected turkey rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to absorb the flavors.
4. Cook the Turkey
- Roast, smoke, or deep-fry the turkey as desired, following your preferred cooking method.
- Baste occasionally for extra juiciness!
Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare the injection marinade up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
- For extra flavor, double the recipe and baste the turkey with the remaining marinade while cooking.
- Best for: Smoked, roasted, or deep-fried turkey—works with whole chickens too!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for making the marinade)
- Category: Marinade, Turkey Injection
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, BBQ, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per 2 Tbsp Serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg