Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe | Perfect for Thanksgiving & Holidays
Tender, golden-brown roast turkey infused with garlic, herbs, and citrus. Moist, flavorful, and perfect for your holiday feast.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey 12–14 lbs, thawed if frozen
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon halved
- 1 orange halved
- 1 onion quartered
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
- Prep Turkey – Remove giblets and pat turkey dry with paper towels. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Make Herb Butter – In a bowl, mix butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Season Turkey – Gently loosen the turkey skin and rub half the herb butter underneath, directly on the meat. Rub the rest over the skin.
- Stuff Cavity – Fill with lemon, orange, and onion quarters for extra aroma and moisture.
- Roast – Place turkey on a roasting rack in a large pan. Pour broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Baste Occasionally – Roast uncovered for 3–3½ hours (or until internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C in the thickest part of the thigh), basting every 45 minutes.
- Rest & Serve – Let rest 20–30 minutes before carving to lock in juices. Serve with your favorite sides and gravy!