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Thanksgiving Turkey: Master Juicy Herb-Roasted Perfection!

A guide to mastering a juicy herb-roasted Thanksgiving turkey, perfect for your holiday feast.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 12-14 pound whole turkey, thawed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried sage
  • 1 lemon quartered
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh herbs optional, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage until well combined.
  4. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey over the breast and thighs using your fingers. Spread half of the herb butter mixture under the skin and the remaining half all over the outside of the turkey.
  5. Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the quartered lemon and onion.
  6. Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
  7. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
  8. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes for extra moisture.
  9. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mg

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, brine the turkey in a saltwater solution for 12-24 hours before cooking.
  • Experiment with different herbs such as parsley or tarragon for a unique twist on the traditional flavor profile.

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