Description
A foolproof and easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe that delivers a juicy, flavorful, and golden-brown centerpiece with minimal effort. Perfect for a stress-free holiday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Rinse the turkey and pat it completely dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Rub this butter mixture all over the turkey, ensuring it’s coated inside and out.
- Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery in the bottom of a roasting pan.
- Position the seasoned turkey on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 3 hours.
- Carefully remove the aluminum foil. Baste the turkey with the pan juices.
- Continue roasting uncovered for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the turkey is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Basting the turkey every 30 minutes after removing the foil will help keep it moist.
- Adjust seasonings to your personal preference.
- Save the pan juices for making gravy or for drizzling over the carved turkey.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (6 oz turkey)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving dish turkey, easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe, simple holiday dish, how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey, juicy Thanksgiving turkey, best Thanksgiving turkey, traditional Thanksgiving turkey, roasting a Thanksgiving turkey