Recipes

21 Turkey Marinade Recipes That Pack a Punch of Flavor!

21 Best Turkey Marinade Recipes

Are you ready to take your turkey game to the next level? Look no further! In this blog post, we'll be diving into the world of turkey marinades and exploring the best recipes to elevate your Thanksgiving feast.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, these marinades will add a burst of flavor and juiciness to your turkey, leaving your guests begging for seconds. So, grab your apron and let's get marinading!

1. Turkey Marinade

Turkey Marinade

Turkey Marinade is a flavorful blend of olive oil, fresh herbs, spices, and citrus that creates a tender and juicy turkey. It is a simple and easy way to infuse delicious flavors into your holiday bird with minimal effort. This marinade includes ingredients like soy sauce, citrus juice and zest, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices.

It can be used to marinate a whole thawed turkey for 12-24 hours before roasting, smoking, or grilling. The marinade adds a rich and complex flavor to the turkey, preventing it from drying out and resulting in a beautiful and delicious meal.

2. Marinated Turkey Breast

Marinated Turkey Breast

Marinated Turkey Breast is a flavorful and tender dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The turkey breast is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, rosemary, black pepper, and salt.

The marinade infuses the turkey with a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors. The turkey is then baked in the oven until cooked through and golden brown. The result is a juicy and succulent turkey breast that is sure to impress your guests.

3. Turkey Tenderloins

Turkey Tenderloins

The Turkey Tenderloins recipe is a flavorful and easy marinade that infuses citrus and garlic flavors into any cut of turkey. It is versatile and can be used on various turkey cuts, such as cutlets, thighs, and breasts.

The marinade can be prepared with dried or fresh herbs, and variations like dijon mustard, lemon juice, or soy sauce can be added for extra flavor. Overall, this recipe is a great addition to any turkey dish.

4. Citrus-Chipotle Turkey Marinade

Citrus-Chipotle Turkey Marinade

The Citrus-Chipotle Turkey Marinade is a game-changer for turkey preparation. It not only keeps the turkey moist but also adds incredible flavor. With a combination of citrus juices, spices, and chipotles in adobo, this marinade transforms a bland and dry turkey into a flavorful delight.

It's simple to prepare and results in a delicious turkey that will impress your guests. Adjust the quantities for larger turkeys, and don't forget the yellow pepper paste for that extra kick. Say goodbye to tasteless turkeys with this amazing marinade.

5. Turkey Tenderloin

Turkey Tenderloin

Turkey Tenderloin is a juicy and flavorful recipe that is perfect for a special occasion or a smaller Thanksgiving meal. The marinade and seasoning combination adds amazing flavors to the turkey, making it a delicious choice for turkey lovers.

With the addition of butter or ghee for basting, the tenderloin becomes even more tender and succulent. Overall, Turkey Tenderloin is a must-try recipe for those looking for a delicious alternative to a whole turkey.

6. Marinated Smoked Turkey Breast

Marinated Smoked Turkey Breast

Marinated Smoked Turkey Breast is a flavorful and juicy recipe that delivers the goodness of a whole bird in a scaled-down portion. The marinade, inspired by a Utah staple, adds a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors to the lean turkey breast.

Smoked slowly for flavor and moisture, the turkey is then seared for a crispy exterior. This recipe is a delicious option for weeknight cookouts or weekday dinners.

7. Turkey Tenderloin Marinade

Turkey Tenderloin Marinade

The Turkey Tenderloin Marinade is a sweet and savory combination of ground spices, brown sugar, mustard, and soy sauce. It results in perfectly juicy and flavorful tenderloins, making it a great choice for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.

The marinade can be made ahead of time and used for other turkey cuts as well. Overall, it's a simple and versatile marinade that adds restaurant-quality flavor to your turkey dishes.

8. Whole Chicken Marinade

Whole Chicken Marinade

Whole Chicken Marinade is a versatile and flavorful marinade that can also be used for turkey. It is quick and easy to prepare, taking just 5 minutes to put together. The combination of spices, herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice creates a delicious and aromatic marinade that enhances the flavor of the meat.

It is recommended to marinate the chicken or turkey for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, marinating for 12 hours is suggested. Overall, Whole Chicken Marinade is a simple yet effective way to add moisture and flavor to your poultry dishes.

9. Roast Turkey Breast with Cranberry Marinade

Roast Turkey Breast With Cranberry Marinade

Roast Turkey Breast with Cranberry Marinade is a flavorful and easy-to-make recipe perfect for small holiday dinners or any day of the week. The marinade combines cranberry juice, canola oil, maple syrup, cider vinegar, garlic, and spices to create a delicious flavor profile.

The turkey breasts are marinated in the mixture and can be stored in the freezer for later use. When ready to cook, simply roast the turkey breasts in the oven until they reach the desired temperature. The result is tender and juicy turkey with a hint of cranberry sweetness. Overall, this recipe is a great option for those looking for a tasty twist on traditional turkey.

10. Smoked Turkey Injection

Smoked Turkey Injection

The Smoked Turkey Injection recipe is a quick and easy way to infuse flavor and moisture into your turkey. With pantry staples like honey, lemon, and butter, this injection marinade adds a hint of sweetness and a burst of flavor that complements the smoky taste from the grill or smoker.

By injecting the marinade into the turkey, you ensure a tender and juicy bird every time. Say goodbye to dry turkeys and hello to a delicious and flavorful main course.

11. Homemade Turkey Rub

Homemade Turkey Rub

The Homemade Turkey Rub is a versatile and flavorful seasoning blend that takes only 5 minutes to make. With a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, sweet, and herby flavors, this rub can elevate any turkey dish.

It can also be used on other meats like chicken. The recipe allows for customization and experimentation with different spices. Overall, it is a convenient and delicious option for adding a bold and tasty twist to your holiday bird.

12. Homemade Turkey Injection

Homemade Turkey Injection

The Homemade Turkey Injection recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to make a moist and flavorful turkey. This injection marinade consists of melted butter, chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce.

When injected into the turkey, it creates a plump and juicy bird that will leave you amazed. Say goodbye to dry turkey and hello to a delicious feast with this homemade injection recipe.

13. Homemade Turkey Seasoning

Homemade Turkey Seasoning

Homemade Turkey Seasoning is a versatile and customizable blend of spices that brings out the natural flavors of turkey. This 7-ingredient recipe is a winning combination of seasoning, smokiness, and salt. It can be used alongside a turkey brine or injection, and is also suitable for turkey breast, chicken, pork, burgers, and veggies.

The recipe allows for customization, whether you prefer a smoky, salty, sweet, or aromatic flavor profile. It is recommended to use Kosher salt for a less salty taste and better adherence. The recipe provides options for lower sodium and spicier variations, and suggests using the pan juices for a flavorful turkey gravy. Overall, Homemade Turkey Seasoning is a simple and effective way to enhance the taste of your turkey.

14. Greek Chicken Marinade

Greek Chicken Marinade

The Greek Chicken Marinade is a flavorful and easy-to-make marinade that combines lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. It is a versatile and affordable option for adding Greek flavors to your chicken.

The marinade includes olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, and parsley, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Overall, this marinade offers a delicious balance of flavors and is a great option for enhancing the taste of your chicken dishes.

15. Chicken Marinade

Chicken Marinade

The Chicken Marinade recipe is a sweet and tangy blend of balsamic vinegar, honey, brown sugar, and spices. It promises juicy and tender results for grilled, roasted, or pan-seared chicken.

With ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika, this marinade adds a flavorful punch to otherwise plain chicken. It is versatile and can be used for both boneless and bone-in chicken.

16. Island Chicken Marinade

Island Chicken Marinade

The Island Chicken Marinade is a flavorful and easy-to-make marinade recipe perfect for grilling. It combines ingredients like allspice, thyme, cloves, and soy sauce to create a mouth-watering flavor combination. The marinade can be used for chicken breasts, thighs, wings, salmon, and other seafood.

It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but even a short marinating time of 30 minutes will still result in flavorful chicken. The recipe makes enough marinade for 5-6 chicken breasts. Overall, the Island Chicken Marinade is a delicious option for enhancing the flavor of your grilled meats.

17. Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin

The Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin recipe is a delicious and easy way to cook turkey. The marinade, made with orange juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, rosemary, and thyme, adds a flavorful twist to the tenderloins.

The result is tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey that is loved by everyone at the table. This recipe is perfect for those following a gluten-free, keto, low-carb, paleo, or sugar-free lifestyle. Overall, the Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin is a great option for a healthy and tasty meal.

18. Dry Brine Turkey

Dry Brine Turkey

The Dry Brine Turkey recipe creates a tender and juicy turkey with crispy skin. It is a simple and convenient method that can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. The recipe calls for a natural, minimally processed turkey and includes a dry brine mixture of kosher salt, dried thyme, dried rubbed sage, and black pepper.

The turkey is then rubbed with a garlic butter mixture and stuffed with aromatics like carrot, onion, and orange. Overall, this recipe offers a flavorful and hassle-free way to prepare a delicious turkey for your holiday table.

19. Butter Injection

Butter Injection

The Butter Injection for Turkey recipe is a game-changer when it comes to cooking a moist and tender turkey. By injecting a mixture of salted butter, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder into the turkey, you can add rich flavor and prevent the meat from drying out.

This recipe is versatile and can be used for various cooking methods, making it a must-try for any turkey lover.

20. Deep Fried Turkey

Deep Fried Turkey

The Deep Fried Turkey recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy turkey during the holidays. The turkey is injected with a herb butter marinade and seasoned with a homemade rub.

The result is a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The recipe also provides important safety tips for frying the turkey. Overall, this recipe is a great option for those looking to add some excitement and flavor to their holiday feast.

21. Turkey

Turkey

The turkey marinade recipe provided offers two options: a wet brine and a dry brine. The wet brine involves a combination of water, salt, brown sugar, herbs, and spices, while the dry brine consists of a mixture of salt, black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, basil, thyme, and paprika.

Both methods require the turkey to be soaked in the brine for a specified amount of time before cooking.