Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Everyone Will Adore

Thanksgiving brings families together around a perfectly roasted sage and herb turkey recipe that promises to steal the show at any holiday gathering.

Tender, juicy, and packed with incredible flavor, this classic centerpiece transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary celebration.

The aroma of herbs and spices will fill your kitchen, creating memories that linger long after the last bite.

Succulent meat falls easily from the bone, inviting everyone to savor each delectable morsel.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this method, ensuring a golden-brown exterior and moist interior that delights even the most discerning palates.

Every slice tells a story of tradition, love, and culinary expertise.

Prepare to make this Thanksgiving unforgettable with a turkey that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours (for a 12-14 pound turkey)

Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 9

Thanksgiving Turkey Ingredient List Uncovered

• Whole Turkey: Centerpiece bird that delivers rich flavor and festive wow factor, select fresh or fully thawed frozen bird with plump, unblemished skin.
• Turkey Neck: Bonus flavor enhancer for gravy, choose intact and fresh.
• Turkey Giblets: Optional flavor booster for stock or stuffing, check for clean, intact pieces.

• Lemon: Bright citrus note that tenderizes and adds zesty brightness, select firm and heavy for maximum juice.
• Onion: Sweet depth and moisture provider, pick firm bulbs without soft spots.
• Garlic Cloves: Intense flavor foundation, choose firm, compact heads with tight, unbruised cloves.
• Fresh Herbs (Thyme, Rosemary, Sage): Woodsy, earthy flavor builders, select vibrant green leaves without wilting or browning.

• Unsalted Butter: Richness and golden color carrier, choose high-quality, fresh dairy butter.
• Kosher Salt: Primary seasoning enhancer, select coarse-grained for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Warm, sharp flavor kick, use freshly ground for maximum potency.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated flavor booster, ensure recent purchase for maximum punch.
• Onion Powder: Subtle sweet backdrop, check for clump-free, fresh container.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Rosemary, Dried Sage: Concentrated herbal intensity, select recently packaged spices.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Moisture and subtle flavor foundation, choose clear, clean-tasting stock.

Tools to Roast a Juicy Holiday Turkey

• Roasting Pan: Large, sturdy pan with a rack to elevate the turkey and catch drippings.
• Kitchen Twine: Essential for trussing the turkey legs to ensure even cooking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for preparing turkey and herbs, helps create clean cuts.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for combining herb butter ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Aluminum Foil: Useful for tenting the turkey and preventing over-browning.
• Paper Towels: Great for patting the turkey dry before seasoning.
• Thermometer: Crucial for checking the turkey's internal temperature for safe cooking.

Roasting a Thanksgiving Turkey Made Simple

• Warm Up the Cooking Space

Fire up your oven to a cozy 325F, creating the perfect environment for your turkey’s transformation.

• Unwrap and Prep the Bird

Gently free the turkey from its packaging, giving it a careful pat-down with paper towels. Clear out the cavity, banishing the neck and giblets. Sprinkle salt and pepper inside, then lovingly stuff with zesty lemon, aromatic onion, garlic, and fragrant herbs.

• Craftal Herb-Infused Butter

Whip together softened butter with a symphony of seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic, onion, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Mix until the flavors dance together.

• Massage the Turkey

Carefully slip your fingers under the turkey’s skin, creating a buttery haven. Spread the herb-packed butter beneath the skin and massage the remaining mixture all over the bird’s surface.

• Secure and Style

Tuck the wing tips neatly and bind the legs with kitchen twine, ensuring a picture-perfect roast.

• Roast to Golden Perfection

Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, creating a moisture bath with chicken broth. Roast until the internal temperature hits 165F – typically about 15 minutes per pound. If the skin gets too bronzed, shield it with a foil tent.

• Let the Turkey Rest

After removing from the oven, wrap the turkey in foil and let it relax for 20-30 minutes. This crucial pause allows the juices to settle, guaranteeing a mouthwatering feast.

Turkey Tips for a Moist, Flavorful Feast

• Keep your turkey juicy and flavorful with these pro techniques.
• Generously spreading herb butter under the skin helps infuse deep flavor and keeps the meat incredibly moist during roasting.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, avoiding guesswork and ensuring perfectly cooked turkey every single time.
• Adding chicken broth to the roasting pan creates moisture and prevents the turkey from drying out, guaranteeing a succulent main dish.
• Making this turkey work for everyone.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Double-check your chicken broth brand to confirm.
• Feel free to experiment with different dried herbs like marjoram, oregano, or parsley to create unique flavor profiles matching your taste preferences.
• Maximize your turkey's potential beyond the main meal.
• Leftover turkey works perfectly in sandwiches, salads, soups, and casseroles for delicious post-Thanksgiving meals throughout the week.
• Foolproof method for turkey success.

Serving That Thanksgiving Turkey Like a Pro

• Festive Family Feast: Create a stunning holiday table display with classic white china, embellished with seasonal pine cones and autumn leaves for a warm, inviting atmosphere.
• Herb-Infused Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, rosemary, and thyme around the carved turkey platter to enhance visual appeal and complement the herb butter flavors.
• Complementary Side Pairings: Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and buttery dinner rolls to complete the traditional Thanksgiving meal experience.
• Wine and Beverage Pairing: Offer a crisp chardonnay or robust pinot noir that beautifully matches the rich, herbal turkey flavors and elevates the dining experience for guests.

Planning Ahead for Turkey Leftovers

• Keep leftover turkey in airtight containers, separating dark and white meat to maintain moisture. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking, storing for 3-4 days maximum.
• Slice turkey into thin portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with date and store frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons of chicken broth over sliced turkey before warming to prevent dryness. Use microwave, oven, or stovetop at low temperatures, covering with foil to lock in moisture.
• Repurpose turkey into sandwiches, salads, soups, and casseroles within 3-4 days. Chop meat into bite-sized pieces for quick meal prep and versatile recipe additions.

FAQs

• Why is it important to pat the turkey dry before seasoning?

Patting the turkey dry helps the herb butter and seasonings stick better to the skin, creating a crispy exterior and allowing for more flavorful browning during roasting.

• Can I prepare the herb butter in advance?

Yes, you can make the herb butter a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before applying to the turkey to ensure easy spreading.

• How do I know if the turkey is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) in the thickest part of the thigh. This ensures the turkey is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

• What's the purpose of adding broth to the roasting pan?

Adding broth creates moisture during cooking, helps prevent the turkey from drying out, and creates a flavorful base for making gravy later.

Mouthwatering Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Classic roast turkey for Thanksgiving brings festive comfort to family gatherings. Herb-seasoned and golden-brown, this beloved centerpiece delivers traditional flavors that connect generations around the holiday table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs / 5.4–6.3 kg), thawed
• ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (473 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried sage
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage) for stuffing the cavity

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 325F (165C), establishing an optimal roasting atmosphere for the thanksgiving centerpiece.
2. Turkey Preparation: Pat turkey dry, remove neck and giblets, season internal cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff with quartered lemon, chopped onion, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs to enhance flavor profile.
3. Herb Butter Creation: Blend softened butter with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, rosemary, and sage until thoroughly combined.
4. Butter Application: Carefully separate skin from breast meat, generously spread herbed butter underneath and across the entire turkey surface, creating a protective flavor-enhancing layer.
5. Trussing: Secure wing tips underneath the body, tie legs with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking and uniform heat distribution.
6. Roasting Process: Place turkey on a roasting rack in a pan, surrounding with low-sodium chicken broth. Roast approximately 15 minutes per pound, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 165F (74C) in the thickest thigh section.
7. Finishing Touch: If skin browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil. Once cooked, remove from oven and let rest, tented with foil for 20-30 minutes to redistribute juices, ensuring a tender and succulent holiday centerpiece ready for serving.

Notes

Prevent Dryness: Create a moisture barrier by generously applying herbed butter under and over the skin, ensuring a juicy, flavorful turkey that doesn’t become tough or bland.

Precise Temperature Monitoring: Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding undercooking or overcooking which can compromise taste and safety.

Herb Butter Mastery: Soften butter completely before mixing herbs to achieve a smooth, evenly distributed seasoning that penetrates deeply into the meat for maximum flavor infusion.

Rest and Redistribute: Allow the turkey to rest after roasting, which allows juices to settle back into the meat, preventing dryness and ensuring each slice remains tender and succulent when carved.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (for a 12-14 pound turkey)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg