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Coffee Chipotle Brined Turkey

This Coffee and Chipotle Brined Turkey combines the deep, earthy rich notes of dark roast coffee with the warm, smoky kick of chipotle peppers in adobo. The coffee acts as a natural tenderizer to lock in maximum juicy flavor, while the subtle blend of spices creates a beautifully golden, crispy skin. Uniquely flavorful yet comfortingly familiar, this showstopping roast turkey brings a bold, unforgettable twist to classic holiday dining.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
25 min: 25 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 416kcal
Author: Anjali

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 cups brewed dark roast coffee cooled
  • 8 cups cold water
  • ¾ cup kosher salt
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic smashed
  • 2 orange sliced
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns

Turkey & Seasoning

  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), fully thawed with giblets and neck removed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • Fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, and dried red chilies (for platter garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Make the Brine:
    In a large pot, combine 2 cups of the water with the kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic, chopped chipotles, and adobo sauce. Heat over medium setting just until the salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and stir in the cooled coffee and remaining cold water.
  • Brine the Turkey:
    Place the turkey in a large brine bag or clean food-safe container. Pour the brine mixture over the turkey, making sure it is fully submerged. Add the orange slices, rosemary, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Seal and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
  • Prep for Roasting:
    Remove the turkey from the brine and discard the liquid. Thoroughly pat the skin completely dry with paper towels inside and out to ensure crispy skin. Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to take off the chill.
  • Season:
    Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix the softened butter with chipotle powder and onion powder. Gently loosen the skin over the breast area and rub half the butter underneath, spreading the rest evenly over the outside skin.
  • Roast:
    Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for roughly 3 to 3.5 hours, basting occasionally. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest & Serve:
    Transfer the turkey to a carving board and let it rest for 25 minutes before carving. Garnish your serving platter with fresh herbs and dried chilies.

Notes

  • Freezer Storage: Cool cooked leftover turkey completely before transferring it to airtight freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn.
  • Gravy Base: Save the roasting pan drippings—the coffee and smoky chipotle notes make an incredible background flavor for homemade gravy.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Coffee Chipotle Brined Turkey
Amount Per Serving
Calories 416 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
Cholesterol 155mg52%
Sodium 7386mg321%
Potassium 644mg18%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 50g100%
Vitamin A 390IU8%
Vitamin C 13mg16%
Calcium 61mg6%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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