Description
Learn how to cook a delicious Thanksgiving turkey with this simple guide.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and remove the giblets from the cavity.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Rub the softened butter all over the turkey, including under the skin.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Place the onion, carrots, and celery inside the cavity of the turkey.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes per pound.
- Remove the foil during the last hour to allow the skin to brown.
- Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Brining the turkey overnight can enhance flavor and moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking.
- Save the drippings for making gravy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (3 oz)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving turkey, how to cook turkey, roasted turkey