Description
This Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe promises a beautifully roasted turkey with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, perfect for your holiday gathering. Elevate your feast with a blend of savory spices and fresh herbs that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Turkey – Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey from its packaging and take out the giblets from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, focusing on the skin to get it as dry as possible for crispy skin.
- Step 2: Season the Turkey – In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Use your hands to gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast and thighs. Spread about half of the butter mixture directly onto the meat under the skin, and the rest all over the outside of the turkey.
- Step 3: Stuff the Turkey – Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the lemon halves and quartered onion. This will help infuse flavor and keep the turkey moist while cooking.
- Step 4: Roast the Turkey – Place the turkey breast-side up in the roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to create steam during roasting. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Roast in the preheated oven, allowing about 13-15 minutes per pound for cooking.
- Step 5: Baste and Finish Cooking – Every 30-45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and baste the turkey with the pan juices using a basting brush. This adds flavor and keeps the meat moist. Continue roasting until the meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
- Step 6: Rest the Turkey – Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and cover it with foil. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier turkey.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz
- Calories: 200-250
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Optional substitutions include dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option, using fresh herbs like sage or parsley, substituting apple cider for chicken broth, or adding smoked paprika or cumin for a different flavor twist.