Perfect Turkey Injection Recipe
Give your turkey a juicy upgrade with this easy and flavorful injection recipe. With a blend of butter, broth, and spices, this marinade will keep your turkey moist, tender, and bursting with flavor from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup warm chicken broth room temperature or warmer
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation:
- Melt the Butter:In a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until fully liquified. Ensure the butter does not burn.
- Combine Ingredients:In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, warm chicken broth, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Ensure the ingredients are well-mixed to form a smooth marinade.
Injection Steps:
Prepare the Turkey:
- Pat the turkey dry and place it on a tray to prevent a mess from any leaking marinade.
Inject the Turkey:
- Fill a meat injector with the marinade.
- Insert the injector deep into the thickest parts of the turkey (breasts, thighs, and wings). Slowly press the plunger to release the marinade while gently pulling the needle out to distribute the liquid.
- Repeat the process, spacing the injections 1-2 inches apart across the bird.
Season the Turkey:
- After injecting, apply your favorite dry rub to the exterior of the turkey for an added flavor boost.
Cooking:
- Cook the turkey according to your preferred method (roasting, smoking, or deep-frying). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Notes
- Do not rush while injecting; injecting too quickly may cause marinade to squirt out.
- For best results, you can brine the turkey overnight before injecting.
- Use room-temperature or warm broth to prevent the butter from solidifying.