Description
Succulent Thanksgiving Turkey brings festive cheer to family gatherings with golden-brown skin and juicy meat. Herb-infused and carefully prepared, this classic centerpiece promises delightful memories you’ll savor long after the holiday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12–15 lbs / 5.4–6.8 kg), thawed and giblets removed
Seasoning:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
Aromatics and Liquid:
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
- Cleanse and prepare the poultry by completely defrosting and removing internal organs. Meticulously dry the entire surface using clean paper towels to ensure optimal seasoning adherence.
- Massage softened butter underneath the skin and across the exterior, creating a luxurious protective layer. Generously scatter salt and pepper over every surface, including the internal cavity.
- Infuse the turkey’s core with aromatic ingredients: wedge fresh lemon, quartered onion, crushed garlic cloves, and fragrant herb sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Calibrate the oven to a precise 325F (165C), ensuring a gradual, uniform cooking environment. Position the oven rack strategically to accommodate the turkey’s dimensions.
- Select a roasting pan equipped with an elevated rack, allowing heat to circulate comprehensively around the bird, promoting even cooking and crisp skin development.
- Carefully transfer the seasoned turkey into the preheated oven, maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the roasting process.
- Periodically bathe the turkey with its own pan drippings every 30-40 minutes, which will maintain moisture and encourage a golden, appetizing exterior.
- Monitor cooking duration, allocating approximately 13-15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey. A typical 12-pound bird will require roughly 2.5 to 3 hours of total cooking time.
- If the skin develops excessive browning, delicately drape aluminum foil over the turkey to prevent burning while continuing the roasting process.
- Verify doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest thigh portion, ensuring it registers 165F (74C) for safe consumption.
- Remove from oven and allow the turkey to rest undisturbed for 20-30 minutes, permitting internal juices to redistribute and ensuring tender, succulent meat before carving.
Notes
- Create a juicy, tender turkey by ensuring the bird is completely thawed and patted dry, which helps achieve crispy skin and even cooking.
- Enhance flavor and moisture by generously rubbing softened butter under the skin and using a mix of fresh herbs inside the cavity.
- Prevent dry meat by basting frequently and monitoring the internal temperature, using a meat thermometer to hit the perfect 165F sweet spot.
- Maximize tenderness by allowing the turkey to rest after roasting, giving the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat for a more succulent result.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 4.5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg