Skip to main content

Dry-Brined Turkey

2.5

(3)

Raw turkey covered in dry brine with spices and orange zest.
Citrus and Peppercorn Dry BrineMarcus Nilsson

No patience for a traditional brine? The dry brine is applied directly to the turkey's skin for a few hours, delivering big flavor (thank the salt!) and less hassle.

Read More: How to Dry-Brine Turkey for the Juiciest Bird Ever

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients

1 (12—14-pound) turkey, giblets and neck removed
1 medium onion, quartered
1 head of garlic, halved
1–2 bunches of herbs
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups (or more) low-sodium chicken broth

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Rub dry brine all over turkey; chill uncovered, 6–7 hours.

    Step 2

    Preheat oven to 425°F. Rinse turkey under cold water; pat dry and place, breast side up, on a rack set in a large roasting pan. Stuff turkey with onion, garlic, and herbs. Working from neck end of turkey, gently loosen skin from breasts and rub butter under skin and all over outside of bird. Tie legs together with kitchen twine, pour broth into pan, and roast turkey 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and roast, basting with pan juices every 30–40 minutes, adding more broth as needed to maintain some liquid in pan, and tenting with foil if skin is browning too quickly, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, 2½–3 hours.

    Step 3

    Transfer turkey to a platter; tent with foil. Let rest at least 30 minutes before carving.

Read More
Invert the ratio of gin to vermouth for a party-friendly and slightly lighter drinking experience.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.
Loosely inspired by pasta Amatriciana, a few pounds of zucchini stand in for tomatoes.
Like banana pudding cake and beer can chicken.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.
Like swordfish steaks with tomatoes and Peruvian-style tofu.