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
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
- 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.
- Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast by gently sliding your fingers underneath. Rub half of the herb butter mixture under the skin.
- Rub the remaining herb butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey.
- Place the lemon halves and quartered onion inside the turkey cavity.
- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the turkey.
- Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 3 hours and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Every 45 minutes, baste the turkey with the juices from the bottom of the pan.
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
- Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
- 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.