Succulent Oven-Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12 pounds)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 lemons, zested and juiced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey:
- Ensure the turkey is fully thawed. Remove giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely during roasting.
2. Make the Herb Butter:
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Season the Turkey:
- Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast using your fingers, ensuring not to tear it. Spread half of the herb butter mixture under the skin directly onto the breast. Spread the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey, ensuring even coverage.
4. Stuff the Turkey:
- Place the onion quarters inside the turkey cavity for additional flavor.
5. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
6. Roast the Turkey:
- Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the pan. This will keep the turkey moist and juicy during cooking.
7. Cooking Duration:
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 45 minutes with the juices from the pan, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will take approximately 3 to 4 hours (PT3H to PT4H), depending on the size of your turkey.
8. Rest the Turkey:
- Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven. Tent with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 20 minutes (PT20M) to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey.
9. Carve and Serve:
- Carefully carve the turkey and arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.
Preparation & Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: PT30M
30 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT3H30M
3 hours and 30 minutes
- Resting Time: PT20M
20 minutes
Total Time
- PT4H20M
4 hours and 20 minutes
Type of Dish
- Dinner
Keywords
- Turkey
- Oven-roasted
- Herb butter
- Thanksgiving
- Dinner
- Succulent turkey
- Holiday meal
- Family feast
- Delicious turkey
- Juicy roast
Recipe Yield
- Feeds 4 adults with generous servings
Calories
- Total Calories: 4,860
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