Golden Herb-infused Roasted Turkey: A Festive Feast Delight

Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe 🦃

Overview:

Indulge in the succulent flavors of this Herb Roasted Turkey recipe, perfect for festive occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving. This culinary masterpiece, bursting with aromatic herbs and spices, is bound to be the star of your dinner table. With a prep time of just 8 minutes and a total cooking time of approximately 5 hours, this recipe yields around 15 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings or family feasts.

Ingredients:

1 whole turkey (12 – 14 pounds)
3 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 586.9
Total Fat: 29.3g
Saturated Fat: 8.3g
Cholesterol: 247mg
Sodium: 323.3mg
Carbohydrates: 0.4g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0.2g
Protein: 74.8g

Instructions:

Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a small bowl, mix together the chicken broth, lemon juice, chopped basil, chopped thyme, freshly ground black pepper, and poultry seasoning. This flavorful concoction will serve as the basting liquid for your turkey.
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Preparing the Turkey: Ensure the turkey is thoroughly cleaned, removing any giblets from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, inside and out. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up, ready for the next step.
Roasting: With your prepared turkey nestled in the roasting pan, it’s time to introduce it to the heat of the oven. Place the pan in the preheated oven, leaving the turkey uncovered. Let it roast at 325°F for approximately 4 to 5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remember to baste the turkey with the chicken broth mixture every 30 minutes to infuse it with rich flavors and keep it moist.
Final Touches: As the turkey nears the end of its roasting time, keep a watchful eye on its color. If it begins to brown too quickly, you can gently cover it with a foil tent during the last hour of cooking to prevent over-browning while ensuring it cooks evenly.
Serving: Once the turkey is beautifully golden brown and cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before carving. Serve slices of this herb-infused masterpiece alongside your favorite Thanksgiving or Christmas sides for a truly memorable meal experience.

Serving Suggestions:

Accompany your Herb Roasted Turkey with classic Thanksgiving sides such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and roasted vegetables for a feast that’s sure to impress.
For a Southwestern twist, consider serving the turkey with a side of spicy cornbread stuffing and roasted poblano peppers.
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a fruity red blend to complement the robust flavors of the herbs and spices.

Recipe Notes:

For optimal flavor, consider marinating the turkey in the herb mixture overnight before roasting to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Feel free to customize the herb blend to suit your taste preferences. Add additional herbs like rosemary or sage for a more aromatic profile.
Leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and used in sandwiches, salads, or soups for delicious meals throughout the week.