• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Food Above Gold logo

  • START HERE
  • Recipe Index
  • Culinary Techniques
  • Contact
    • About Food Above Gold
  • Subscribe
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Food Above Gold
  • Recipe Index
  • Culinary Techniques
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Apple Juice Brine (For Chicken or Turkey)

    Apple Juice Brine (For Chicken or Turkey)

    Nov 18, 2020 · Modified: Jul 23, 2021 by Mackenzie Ryan · This post may contain affiliate links | Disclosure policy in footer.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Text saying "easy apple juice brine" next to a picture of the pot of brine.

    This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Safeway. All opinions are 100% my own. 

    This simple apple juice brine is a game changer! It brines overnight while you're sleeping for a flavorful and moist roasted chicken or turkey!

    Chicken brining in apple juice and herbs.

    The holidays are fast approaching and this year is unique and stressful in all its own ways. That's you need this apple juice brine recipe to keep things easy.

    For the same reason, I like shopping at Safeway. I can trust that they have the best ingredients at affordable prices, and they always have the on-trend products I'm looking for. It eliminates stopping at multiple stores to get what I need.

    Plus, with the Safeway Grocery Delivery and DriveUp & Go™ services, grocery shopping for these wonderful ingredients is easy to do. I almost exclusively use the DriveUp service because it is so convenient and easy. Especially during the holidays when the stores can be crowded.

    Overhead of an air chilled chicken in packaging.

    Why This Recipe Works

    A good brine adds flavor and moisture to your poultry with very little work. This recipe does just that, while also giving a delightful flavor profile that strays away from the taste of traditional apple cider.

    One of the things I love most about this apple juice brine recipe is that by using shelf-stable Signature Select 100% apple juice you free up valuable refrigerator space. This holiday season is already unique in so many ways, so not battling for fridge space is one way to make it easier.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for apple juice brine lined up and labeled.

    To make this easy apple juice brine start with 100% apple juice. You can use apple cider instead, but I find that when you cook the turkey or chicken that it leaves behind pulp.

    You also want to choose kosher salt. Different salts have different densities. This means that depending on the salt you use in the brining process, you may end up with more or less than needed. Kosher salt is standard across the board and makes the simplest option.

    I also recommend getting an Open Nature® air-chilled chicken because it has the best flavor out there. And since it isn't pumped full of liquid before you buy it, it absorbs the brine better than other brands. It is exclusively available at the Safeway family of stores and the only way I buy chicken now!

    How To Make This Recipe

    A collage showing steps to make apple juice brine.

    First, start with a pot over medium-high heat and add the apple juice, oranges, lemon, kosher salt, and maple syrup. Bring it to a boil until the salt and sugar have dissolved completely.

    Next, turn off the heat and add the herbs. Let cool until room temperature, about 15 minutes.

    In a brining bag or large stainless steel pot, combine the brine with the rest of the apple juice. Submerge the chicken or turkey in the brine and chill it in the refrigerator overnight.

    The next day, remove the chicken from the brine, pat it dry on the outside as well as in the cavity, and season it with salt and pepper. Transfer it to a roasting pan and cook until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh is 160°F.

    Hands measuring maple syrup into apple juice brine.

    Expert Tips

    • If you want to use this apple juice brine recipe for a Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken, set the servings option in the recipe card to four. This creates enough to submerge a 20 pound turkey.
    • Brined poultry is best cooked in the oven. Since it holds more moisture, it isn't safe for frying. If you need to cut down on cooking time, try using the Signature Select Oven Roasting Bags. They make cleanup a cinch and helps the brine keep the poultry moist even better.

    FAQ's

    What is the best salt for brine?

    I love to use Morton's Coarse Kosher Salt. It is sold in almost every grocery store, is extremely consistent in its sizing, and dissolves quickly into the brine because it is flat and flaky.

    What is the correct ratio for brine?

    The basic ratio is 1 tablespoon of salt to each cup of water. Keep in mind that not all salts are made the same and vary in density, so it is always important to use the exact salt the brine recipe calls for.

    Does brining make food salty?

    Not unless you add too much salt to the brine. The brine works by the salt capturing and holding liquid on and within the meat. Then, during cooking, the salt releases the moisture into the meat to keep it from drying out.

    Do I rinse the meat after brining?

    This is completely optional based on how you like it. Rinsing off the apple juice brine washes away some of the brine on the skin. This helps make it a little less salty, but this step can be skipped and won't hurt the chicken if you forget it.

    A chicken for brining on a cutting board with ingredients.

    Related Recipes

    You don't have to stop at this apple juice brine recipe!, If you're looking for more great ways to make poultry, I recommend:

    • Carved Thanksgiving turkey on a white tray with a bottle of pumpkin beer behind it.
      Pumpkin Beer Turkey Brine Recipe
    • Black overlay on a carved turkey on a platter.
      How To Brine A Turkey For Thanksgiving
    • a pan with roasted grapes and a spatchcock chicken
      Maple Rosemary Spatchcock Chicken with Roasted Grapes and Alexia Side Dishes
    • A whole roasted chicken garnished with blueberries and rosemary in a dutch oven.
      Whole Roasted Chicken with Blueberries and Pinot Noir

    Don’t forget to try the minimally processed Open Nature products and USDA Certified Organic O Organics products exclusively at your neighborhood Safeway stores and online. Whether you want plant-based, gluten-free, or environmentally conscious they have the quality products you want at a great price. Visit www.safeway.com/exclusivebrands to see the selections!

    You can also find them exclusively at the Albertsons Companies family of stores, including Albertsons, ACME Markets, Jewel-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Shaw’s, Star Market, United Supermarkets and Carrs/Safeway. Visit Safeway.com to find a store near you. Plus, they have a bunch of meal plan prep tips and recipe inspiration.

    Happy Cooking! 🙂 

    Raw chicken on a cutting board next to orange slices and herbs.
    5 from 1 vote

    Apple Juice Brine for Chicken

    This easy recipe provides a great flavor boost for a delicious autumnal chicken!
    Course: Chicken, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Mackenzie Ryan
    8 servings
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Chilling time: 12 hours hours
    Pin it for later?

    Ingredients

    • 6 ½ cups 100% Apple Juice
    • 6 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
    • 2 oranges, sliced
    • 1 lemon, sliced
    • 3 Tablespoons maple syrup
    • 2 rosemary sprigs
    • 2 thyme sprigs
    • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 3 ½ pounds chicken, this is roughly a whole chicken

    Instructions

    • In a pot over medium heat, combine the apple juice, salt, oranges, lemon, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil.
    • Turn off the heat and add in the rosemary, thyme, black peppercorns, and bay leaf. Let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until the brine is cold.
    • In a brining bag or large pot, submerge the whole chicken in the brine. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from the bag before cooking, rinse the chicken, and pat it dry (including in the cavity). Cook as desired, it is great for roasting, smoking, or grilling. NOTE: The sugar in the apple juice makes the skin brown faster than usual. Halfway through cooking check to see if it needs covered with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

    Notes

    • If you want to use this apple juice brine recipe for a Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken, set the servings option in the recipe card to four. This creates enough to submerge a 20 pound turkey.
    • Brined poultry is best cooked in the oven. Since it holds more moisture, it isn't safe for frying. If you need to cut down on cooking time, try using the Signature Select Oven Roasting Bags. They make cleanup a cinch and helps the brine keep the poultry moist even better.
    • What is the best salt for brine?
      I love to use Morton’s Coarse Kosher Salt. It is sold in almost every grocery store, is extremely consistent in its sizing, and dissolves quickly into the brine because of it is flat and flaky.
      What is the correct ratio for brine?
      The basic ratio is 1 tablespoon of salt to each cup of water. Keep in mind that not all salts are made the same and vary in density, so it is always important to use the exact salt the brine recipe calls for.
      Does brining make food salty?
      Not unless you add too much salt to the brine. The brine works by the salt capturing and holding liquid on and within the meat. Then, during cooking the salt releases the moisture into the meat to keep it from drying out.
      Do I rinse the meat after brining?
      This is completely optional based on how you like it. Rinsing off the apple juice brine washes away some of the brine on the skin. This helps make it a little less salty, but this step can be skipped and won’t hurt the chicken if you forget it.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 43g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 5472mg | Potassium: 1040mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 152IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tell me how much you love this recipeand show off how you made it!
    « Coffee Smoothie (High Protein)
    Caramel Brulee Latte Copycat Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sally says

      July 23, 2021 at 12:54 pm

      You forgot to list how much brown sugar or when to use the syrup.

      Reply
      • Mackenzie Ryan says

        July 23, 2021 at 5:31 pm

        Thank you so much, Sally! What a major miss on my part and I appreciate you letting me know. The brown sugar was included in the original draft of the recipe, but with fine-tuning decided to remove it in favor of just the maple syrup. The recipe and the content have been updated to correctly reflect this! Thank you again for pointing it out!

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

    What are your thoughts? Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    a girl putting a flower behind her ear in a meadow.

    Hi! I'm Mackenzie! If you're looking for a modern culinary education at home, then you've come to the right place. Let me help you become your own master chef by learning professional cooking techniques without the cost of culinary school! Learn more about me and the blog.

    Comfort Foods

    • A wooden bowl of sauce next to fried onion strings.
      Homemade Crispy Onion Strings (French Fried Onions)
    • Skillet scalloped potatoes on a plate with asparagus and ham.
      Skillet Scalloped Potatoes with Mushroom Soup
    • Seared golden brown pork chops in a cast iron pan.
      Crispy Cast Iron Pork Chops
    • A red mug of soup with croutons and a spoon.
      Steak and Ale Soup with Mushrooms
    • Bacon wrapped chicken thigh on a plate next to roasted potatoes and asparagus.
      Smoky Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
    • A bacon wrapped burger on a bun with toppings.
      Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Burger Recipe

    Featured In:

    Business logos of popular websites

    Popular Recipes:

    • tray of biscoff cookie truffles on a wooden board with a blue napkin behind it
      No Bake Biscoff Cookie Truffles
    • a white tub of homemade custard ice cream in front of an ice cream maker
      How To Make Custard Ice Cream + Best Vanilla Custard Recipe
    • a tray of fruit with a french martini
      How To Make A Phenomenal French Martini
    • overhead image of a wooden bowl of caramelized onion at an angle
      How To Make Caramelized Onions Perfectly Golden Brown
    • small mason jar spilling out dry rub for ribs
      Ridiculously Good Dry Rub For Ribs
    • A stack of homemade tortillas in a kitchen towel
      Homemade Corn Tortillas (That Don't Fall Apart!)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for emails and updates!

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 Food Above Gold

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.