Food Cooking Tips & Techniques How to Brine a Turkey So It's Extra Juicy This Thanksgiving Brining is simple—and the payoff is big. (Plus it works on chicken and pork, too.) By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 21, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Getty Images Nothing's worse than a dry piece of meat. Brining, or submerging the meat in a saltwater bath, allows any lean type of poultry or pork (like a turkey, a whole chicken, or pork chops) to absorb extra moisture while raw so it won't dry out during cooking. And because the water is seasoned, it flavors the meat from the inside. (If you are interested in a different kind of brine, learn the differences between dry brine vs. wet brine before you pick your preferred brining method. Here's how to brine a turkey, plus how to brine chicken and pork: The Ellaphant in the Room Our handy guide will tell you how much brine you need for different cuts and quantities of turkey, chicken, and pork. Ready for an extra credit step? Citrus peel, fennel, chilies, fresh herbs, and spices (like cumin, coriander, star anise, and cinnamon sticks) can subtly flavor the meat. Add one or two to the brine along with the bay leaf and the peppercorns. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit