This Thanksgiving turkey is juicy and flavorful, making it the star of your holiday feast. With its golden-brown skin and tender meat, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
The best part? It’s not just about the turkey; it’s the delightful smells wafting through the house! I always sneak in a taste before serving—who can resist that aroma? 🤭
I love how relaxing it is to make this turkey. After seasoning it, I just pop it in the oven and enjoy family time while it cooks. Perfect for a happy holiday gathering!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Turkey: A 12-14 pound turkey is ideal for feeding a crowd. If you prefer a smaller size, a 10-12 pound turkey works well too. If turkey isn’t available, a large chicken can be a good substitute, though cooking times will vary.
Unsalted Butter: This adds amazing flavor and helps with crispiness. If you’re watching your sodium, you can use olive oil instead, though it won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or coconut oil.
Herbs & Spices: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage are wonderful, but dried herbs work just as well if that’s what you have. Consider substituting rosemary with tarragon or using Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Lemon & Garlic: These add brightness and depth to the turkey’s flavor. If you don’t have lemon, orange works too for a sweeter taste. For garlic lovers, you can add extra cloves or even garlic powder as a backup.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey is Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy and flavorful turkey lies in proper seasoning and cooking techniques. Start early by bringing your turkey to room temperature to ensure even cooking. Season it generously, especially under the skin.
- Herb Butter: Spread a delicious herb butter under the skin and on the outside. This keeps moisture in.
- Stuffing: Fill the cavity with lemon, onion, and garlic—it will infuse the meat as it cooks.
- Basting: Baste your turkey every 45 minutes. This helps retain moisture and adds flavor. Use the drippings mixed with broth for the best result.
- Resting: After roasting, let your turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy.
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh herbs for stuffing and garnish (rosemary, thyme, parsley)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for basting and pan)
- Olive oil (optional, for extra crispy skin)
- Garnishes: fresh rosemary sprigs, lemon slices, cranberries
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prep and approximately 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time at 325°F (163°C). Plus, be sure to allow for a 20-30 minute resting time before carving. In total, you’re looking at about 4 hours for a beautifully cooked Thanksgiving turkey!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
Start by removing the turkey from the refrigerator about 1 hour before roasting—this helps it cook evenly. Also, make sure to take out the giblets (if any) from inside the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels, both inside and outside.
2. Make the Herb Butter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Stir well to create a delicious seasoned butter that will flavor your turkey.
3. Season the Turkey:
Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast by sliding your fingers between the skin and meat—just be gentle! Once you’ve created some space, spread about half of the herb butter directly under the skin onto the breast. Next, rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey for maximum flavor.
4. Stuff the Turkey Cavity:
Take the lemon quarters, onion pieces, smashed garlic cloves, and a few sprigs of fresh herbs, and stuff them inside the turkey cavity. This will help infuse even more flavor into the meat as it cooks.
5. Truss the Turkey:
To help the turkey maintain its shape while cooking, tie the legs together using kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body. This prevents the wings from burning during cooking.
6. Prepare for Roasting:
Set the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour about 1 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan; this will create steam and keep the turkey moist while it cooks, plus you’ll have great drippings for gravy.
7. Roast the Turkey:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Roast the turkey uncovered in the oven, basting it with the pan juices every 45 minutes. If you notice that the pan is getting dry, add more broth as needed to keep it moist.
8. Cooking Time:
Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound. For a 12-14 pound turkey, you’re looking at about 2.5 to 3 hours, but it’s best to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should read 165°F (74°C) when it’s done.
9. Rest the Turkey:
Once the turkey is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite juicy and flavorful!
10. Serve:
To serve, transfer the turkey to a beautifully decorated platter with fresh rosemary sprigs, lemon slices, and cranberries for an eye-catching presentation. Carve the turkey and enjoy your succulent Thanksgiving feast!
This method yields a wonderfully golden, flavorful turkey with crispy skin and tender meat, making it the perfect centerpiece for your festive holiday table. Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration!
Can I Use a Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a frozen turkey, but it’s essential to thaw it in the refrigerator for several days before cooking. Plan for about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey to ensure it’s fully defrosted.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have All the Herbs?
No worries! If you’re missing some herbs, you can use a mix of Italian seasoning or dried herbs you have on hand. The key is to season the turkey well, so feel free to get creative with what you have!
How Can I Ensure the Turkey Skin is Crispy?
For extra crispy skin, remember to pat the turkey dry before applying the herb butter. You can also apply a light coat of olive oil on the skin before roasting, which can help achieve that beautiful golden crispiness you’re aiming for.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey?
Make sure to refrigerate any leftover turkey within two hours of cooking. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze leftover turkey, wrapped tightly in foil or freezer bags, for up to 3 months.
