Step 1

Pour the water into a large pot and place it on the stove over medium heat. Add the kosher salt, brown sugar, and garlic cloves, stirring until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.

Step 2

Once dissolved, add the thyme, rosemary, black peppercorns, and lemon slices. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3

After 5 minutes, turn off the heat and stir in the apple cider. Allow the brine to cool to room temperature. This should take about 20 minutes.

Step 4

Once the brine is at room temperature, add the ice to help it cool down further. Then place the brine in a covered bowl in the fridge to let it cool until it has completely chilled.

Step 5

Place your turkey breast into a large brining bag or a clean bucket. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey breast, making sure that it is completely submerged. If needed, you can place a plate on top of the turkey breast to keep it submerged.

Step 6

Refrigerate the turkey in the brine for at least 6 hours, but no longer than 12 hours.

Step 7

After brining, remove the turkey breast from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.

Step 8

If you're looking for the best easy way to cook turkey breast with perfect golden brown skin, I love brining it with this recipe first, and then cooking it with this air fryer turkey breast recipe.