This juicy and flavorful roasted turkey recipe is perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The combination of herbs, butter, and proper cooking ensures a tender, golden-brown turkey that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place it in a large roasting pan.
- Season Butter Mixture: In a bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Apply Butter: Gently loosen the turkey skin over the breasts using your fingers, then spread the butter mixture under the skin and over the turkey.
- Stuff the Turkey: Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion, and garlic cloves for added flavor.
- Truss the Turkey: Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist.
- Roast: Place the turkey in the oven and roast for about 3–3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F (80°C) in the thigh. Baste every 30–45 minutes with pan juices.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes before carving.
- Serve: Carve and serve your delicious turkey with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your perfectly roasted turkey! 🍗