Name: Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe: 5 Secrets for Juicy Perfection
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons salt; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 onion, quartered; 1 lemon, quartered; Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)

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Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without a juicy, beautifully roasted turkey at the center of the table! This turkey Thanksgiving recipe is my go-to for creating a dish that not only looks stunning but also tastes incredible. I remember the first time I made it—my family couldn’t stop raving about the flavors and how perfectly moist the turkey turned out. What makes this recipe special is how simple it is, yet it delivers big on flavor with just a handful of ingredients. Trust me, this turkey will be the star of your holiday feast!

Ingredients for the Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious turkey, so here’s what you’ll need:

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds) – Make sure it’s thawed if it was frozen.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is for that rich, buttery flavor!
2 tablespoons salt – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the turkey’s taste.
1 tablespoon black pepper – A touch of spice to balance the flavors.
1 tablespoon garlic powder – Adds a nice depth of flavor.
1 tablespoon onion powder – For that great savory kick!
2 cups chicken broth – Keeps the turkey moist while roasting.
1 onion, quartered – It’ll infuse the turkey with flavor from the inside.
1 lemon, quartered – A hint of citrus brightness never hurts!
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) – These add freshness and aroma.

How to Prepare the Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe

Preparing your turkey is easier than you might think! Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While that’s heating up, grab your turkey and remove any giblets from the cavity—don’t forget to check the neck area too! Pat the turkey dry with paper towels; this helps to get that beautiful crispy skin. Once it’s all dried off, you’re ready to move on to the fun part!

Preparing the Turkey

After preheating, make sure the turkey is thawed completely if it was frozen. This is super important for even cooking! Once the giblets are out and the turkey is dry, it’s time to rub the softened butter all over the turkey. Don’t be shy—get it in every nook and cranny! This will help with moisture and flavor as it roasts.

Seasoning and Stuffing

Now, sprinkle that salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder generously all over the turkey, both inside and out. This seasoning mix is where the magic happens! For stuffing, place the quartered onion, lemon, and fresh herbs inside the cavity. I love using rosemary, thyme, and sage for that classic Thanksgiving aroma. It’s like a hug in every bite!

Roasting the Turkey

Place your turkey in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom—this will keep it juicy as it roasts. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil, but don’t forget to remove the foil during the last hour of cooking to let the skin brown beautifully. Roast your turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, checking the internal temperature towards the end. You’re looking for a perfect 165°F (75°C) for doneness. Let it rest for 30 minutes before carving, and you’ll have a stunning centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table!

Tips for Success with Your Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe

Want to take your turkey to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite tips! First off, consider brining your turkey overnight. It adds incredible flavor and helps keep the meat moist throughout the cooking process. Just mix some salt and water, and let that turkey soak up all that goodness!

Also, don’t skip the meat thermometer! It’s your best friend for ensuring the turkey is perfectly cooked. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone; it should read 165°F (75°C). This little gadget will give you peace of mind and prevent overcooking—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 350 calories, 40g of protein, 20g of fat, and 800mg of sodium. Enjoy your delicious turkey without worry!

FAQ Section

Can I prepare the turkey the night before?
Absolutely! You can season and stuff the turkey the night before, then cover it and refrigerate. Just let it come to room temperature before roasting.

How long should I roast a 14-pound turkey?
For a 14-pound turkey, you’ll want to roast it for about 3 to 3.5 hours at 325°F (165°C). Always check the internal temperature for doneness!

What do I do with leftovers?
Leftovers are a treat! Shred the turkey and use it in soups, sandwiches, or salads. You can even make a delicious turkey pot pie!

Can I use a frozen turkey?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking. This can take a few days, so plan ahead!

What herbs can I use besides rosemary, thyme, and sage?
You can experiment with other herbs like parsley, oregano, or even basil for a unique twist. The key is to choose what you love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and straightforward for stress-free cooking
Packed with flavor from fresh herbs and spices
Perfectly juicy turkey that impresses every time
Feeds a crowd with 12 generous servings
Leftovers are just as delicious, perfect for sandwiches!

Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe: 5 Secrets for Juicy Perfection

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A classic recipe for a juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Rub the softened butter all over the turkey.
Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and fresh herbs.
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the pan.
Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound.
Remove the foil during the last hour to brown the skin.
Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.