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Perfect Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe for Holidays

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This herb butter roasted turkey recipe delivers juicy, flavorful meat with crispy golden skin, perfect for holidays or special family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1214 lb whole turkey, thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons chopped thyme
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped sage
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 carrots, halved (optional)
  • 2 celery stalks (optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, chopped herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast by sliding your fingers underneath. Spread half the herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter over the surface of the turkey. Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves, onion quarters, carrots, and celery. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  4. Place the turkey on the roasting rack in the pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during roasting.
  5. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roast the turkey for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices or olive oil. Tent the turkey with foil if the skin starts to brown too quickly.
  6. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F (80°C) in the thigh.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Notes

[‘Pat the turkey dry to ensure crisp skin during roasting.’, ‘Allow the turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes after cooking to retain juices.’, ‘Baste the turkey every 30 minutes to keep it moist.’, ‘Use fresh herbs for better flavor.’, ‘Tent the turkey with foil if the skin browns too quickly.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Herb Butter Turkey, Roasted Turkey, Holiday Turkey, Thanksgiving Recipe, Christmas Dinner