Description

Learn how to achieve a juicy, tender, and succulent Thanksgiving turkey with this easy-to-follow recipe. This guide provides simple techniques and tips to ensure your holiday bird is moist and flavorful, preventing dryness.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole turkey (12–15 lbs)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 large onion, quartered
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for a juicy Thanksgiving turkey.
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. This herb butter will add flavor and moisture.
Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and thighs. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter evenly under the skin.
Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey.
Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery inside the turkey cavity.
Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
Roast the turkey for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound. For a 12-15 lb turkey, this is about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Basting the turkey with the pan juices every 30-45 minutes helps ensure a moist Thanksgiving turkey.
If the skin starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil.
The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This resting period is essential for a juicy, tender Thanksgiving turkey.

Notes

For an even juicier Thanksgiving turkey, consider brining the turkey overnight before roasting.
Injecting the turkey with additional broth or melted butter can also enhance moisture.
Ensure your turkey is fully thawed before cooking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3.5 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8th of turkey
Calories: Approx. 400
Sugar: Approx. 0g
Sodium: Approx. 250mg
Fat: Approx. 20g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 8g
Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: Approx. 50g
Cholesterol: Approx. 150mg

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