Bird Brine Recipe with Texas Two-Step

Juicy, Aromatic Birds Every Time

A good brine is the difference between dry poultry and a bird that stays juicy all the way through. This one combines salt, brown sugar, apple cider, citrus, and herbs into a brine that seasons turkey, chicken, and game birds from the inside out.

The backbone is Cleve's Texas Two-Step. Six tablespoons carry sweet heat and savory depth through the whole brine, so the flavor reaches the meat, not just the skin.

Mix it, chill it, and submerge the bird. The brine does the work while it sits in the refrigerator.

Ingredients

(Makes about 2 1/2 gallons, enough for one turkey or several chickens)

• 2 gallons cold water
• 2 cups kosher salt
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons Cleve's Texas Two-Step
• 3 cups apple juice or cider
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• Peels of 1 orange and 1 lemon
• 1 head garlic, halved
• A few sprigs fresh rosemary and thyme
  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dissolve the Salt and Sugar

In a large pot, dissolve the kosher salt and brown sugar in the water. Warm a few cups of the water to help them dissolve if needed, then make sure the full batch is cold before using.

2. Add the Seasoning and Aromatics

Stir in the Cleve's Texas Two-Step, apple juice or cider, apple cider vinegar, citrus peels, garlic, and herbs.

3. Submerge the Bird

Make sure the brine is fully chilled, then place the bird in and submerge it completely.

4. Refrigerate

Refrigerate and brine according to the size of the bird. As a guide: chicken pieces 1 to 2 hours, a whole chicken 4 to 12 hours, and a turkey 12 to 24 hours.

Pro Tips

• Make sure the brine is fully chilled before adding the bird
• Always rinse the bird after brining
• Pat the skin completely dry for crispier results
• Keep the bird fully submerged and refrigerated the whole time
• Discard the used brine; never reuse it after raw poultry
  
  

This Brine Works On

• Whole turkey
• Whole chicken
• Chicken pieces
• Game birds like duck, quail, and dove
• Pork chops or a pork loin

Juicy, seasoned birds with deep, aromatic flavor. That is what a good brine buys you, and this one delivers it every time.

Cleve's Texas Two-Step gives the brine its backbone, carrying sweet heat and savory depth into the meat. Brine once and you will not roast a bird without it again.

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