Very Moist and Flavorful Roast Turkey

4 stars
3.82 (16)
Very Moist and Flavorful Roast Turkey
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
240 mins
Total Time:
260mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on December 25, 2023

This very moist and flavorful roast turkey recipe is sure to impress! The turkey is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then roasted to perfection, resulting in a juicy and tender meat that is bursting with flavor. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a delicious roast turkey, this recipe is a must-try. Follow the simple steps below to create the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast.

Ingredients

  • 14-pound turkey
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons dried sage
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a paste.
  4. Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast by gently sliding your fingers underneath. Rub half of the herb butter mixture under the skin.
  5. Rub the remaining herb butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey.
  6. Place the lemon halves and quartered onion inside the turkey cavity.
  7. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the turkey.
  8. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
  9. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
  10. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 3 hours and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  11. Every 45 minutes, baste the turkey with the juices from the bottom of the pan.
  12. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
  13. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
  14. Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite side dishes.

Interesting Facts

  • Roasting a turkey at a lower temperature helps to retain moisture and results in a more tender meat.
  • The herb butter mixture adds a delicious flavor to the turkey and also helps to keep it moist.
  • Allowing the turkey to rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful meat.