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Preparing a delicious turkey or chicken involves a combination of techniques to enhance flavor and ensure juicy, tender meat. Here’s a secret method that incorporates brining, seasoning, and slow roasting to achieve the best results:
Ingredients
For the Brine:
1 gallon of water
1 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
4-5 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
2-3 bay leaves
1-2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 lemon, sliced
For the Herb Butter:
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
4-5 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Turkey or Chicken:
1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds) or chicken (4-5 pounds)
1 onion, quartered
1 lemon, quartered
1-2 carrots, cut into large pieces
1-2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
Instructions
1. Brining the Bird
Prepare the Brine:
In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic, black peppercorns, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, and lemon slices.
Heat the mixture until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Let it cool completely.
Brine the Bird:
Place the turkey or chicken in a large brining bag or a clean, large container.
Pour the cooled brine over the bird, ensuring it is fully submerged. If necessary, add more water.
Refrigerate for 12-24 hours. For a chicken, 6-12 hours is sufficient.
2. Preparing the Herb Butter
Make the Herb Butter:
In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Preparing the Bird for Roasting
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) for turkey, or 350°F (175°C) for chicken.
Rinse and Dry the Bird:
Remove the bird from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Season the Bird:
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Gently loosen the skin of the bird without tearing it. Rub the herb butter generously under the skin, over the breast and thighs. Rub any remaining butter over the outside of the bird.
Season the cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, lemon, carrots, celery, and fresh herbs.
4. Roasting the Bird
Prepare for Roasting:
Place the bird on a rack in a roasting pan. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
Roast the Bird:
For turkey, roast at 325°F (165°C). For chicken, roast at 350°F (175°C).
Baste the bird occasionally with the pan juices.
Check for Doneness:
For turkey, roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, about 3-4 hours for a 12-14 pound bird.
For chicken, roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, about 1.5-2 hours for a 4-5 pound bird.
Rest the Bird:
Once done, remove the bird from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, flavorful meat.
Tips
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the bird is cooked to the correct temperature without overcooking.
Resting Time: Do not skip the resting period; it’s crucial for juicy meat.
Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the brine and herb butter to suit your taste.
Enjoy your perfectly prepared, delicious turkey or chicken! JkGlZ7QvPls |