Ultimate Herb-Buttered Roast Turkey Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful Delight

Perfect Roast Turkey Recipe 🦃

Overview:

This roast turkey recipe is a fail-safe method to achieve a succulent and flavorful bird, perfect for any special occasion, especially Thanksgiving! Even if your turkey is pre-buttered, following these steps will ensure a mouthwatering result. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your turkey, but trust me, the outcome will be worth the wait.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Servings: 10
• Calories per Serving: 698.4

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Butter
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Dried tarragon
• Dried parsley flakes
• Dried thyme
• Dried basil
• Sage
• Paprika

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

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   • Begin by removing the giblets from both cavities of the turkey and set them aside for later use.
   • Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.

2. Seasoning:

   • In a bowl, mix all the seasonings together with the butter, except for the paprika.
   • Gently separate the skin from the flesh of the turkey from the rear end, then slide a handful of the butter and seasoning mixture between the skin and flesh. This step adds incredible flavor and moisture to the meat.
   • Rub the entire turkey generously with the remaining seasoned butter mixture. Ensure every inch of the bird is coated.
   • Sprinkle salt, freshly ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, tarragon, parsley flakes, thyme, basil, and paprika over the turkey. The seasoning creates a flavorful crust and aroma.
   • Pour about 1/4″ to 1/2″ of chicken broth into the bottom of a large roasting pan, ensuring not to wash away the seasonings.

3. Roasting:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • Place a rack inside the roasting pan, then position the turkey on the rack with the breast and legs facing up.
   • Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 1 1/2 hours.
   • After the initial cooking time, remove the foil tent and wrap foil around the legs and wings of the turkey.
   • Baste the turkey with its juices, then return it to the oven to continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C) or until the juices run clear when pierced between the thigh and breast. Cooking times will vary based on the turkey’s size.

4. Finishing Touches:

   • During the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) or 400°F (200°C) to achieve a golden brown crust. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
   • Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.

5. Serving Suggestions:

   • Serve your perfectly roasted turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.
   • Don’t forget to check out my recipe for the best giblet gravy (Recipe #105192) to accompany this delicious turkey!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 698.4
• Fat: 36.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 283.1mg
• Sodium: 1699.1mg
• Carbohydrates: 4.4g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Sugar: 0.3g
• Protein: 82.4g

Tips:

• Cooking times may vary based on the size of your turkey, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• For a crispier skin, pat the turkey dry and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator overnight before roasting.
• Customize the seasoning blend to your preference by adding herbs like rosemary or sage.
• To save time on Thanksgiving day, prepare the turkey the night before and refrigerate it until ready to roast.
• Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, and casseroles for delicious meals throughout the week.

Conclusion:

Follow this tried-and-true roast turkey recipe for a holiday centerpiece that’s sure to impress your guests. With its moist and flavorful meat and crispy, golden skin, this turkey will become a family favorite for years to come. Enjoy the joy of cooking and sharing a memorable meal with your loved ones! 🍽️🦃