Zesty Orange-Chili Infused Roast Turkey 🍊🌶️

Orange Chili Roasted Turkey 🦃

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 634.5
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Southwestern U.S., Very Low Carbs, High Protein, Kosher, High In…, Winter, Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Roast, For Large Groups, Oven

Description:

Discover a tantalizing twist to traditional turkey roasting with this Orange Chili Roasted Turkey recipe. Infused with zesty orange flavors and a kick of chili, this dish promises a burst of mouthwatering goodness in every bite. Utilizing an injector ensures that the turkey remains irresistibly moist, while the blend of spices elevates its taste to new heights. Perfect for festive occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Hanukkah, this recipe caters to large gatherings, leaving everyone craving for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (approximately 18 pounds)
• 1 cup margarine
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• Reduced orange juice (to yield 1 cup)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Start by removing the giblets and neck from the turkey, setting them aside for gravy preparation later.
   • Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring all cavities are cleaned, then drain it well.
   • Use paper towels to blot the turkey dry, both inside and out, absorbing any excess moisture.

2. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (approximately 163°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before roasting the turkey.

3. Prepare Orange Reduction:

   • Take your orange juice and simmer it down until it reduces to 1 cup, intensifying its flavor and sweetness.

4. Prepare Flavorful Mixture:

   • In a saucepan, melt the margarine over gentle heat, then add the chili powder and garlic powder, stirring well to combine.
   • Incorporate the reduced orange juice into the mixture, allowing it to infuse with the spicy flavors. Let it cool slightly before use.

5. Inject Turkey:

   • Position the turkey, breast side up, on a rack within a large shallow roasting pan, ensuring it fits snugly.
   • Utilize an injector to distribute the prepared mixture evenly throughout the turkey, focusing on the meaty sections of the breast and thighs for maximum flavor absorption. (Refer to the photo for guidance.)

6. Season Turkey:

   • Sprinkle the interior and exterior of the turkey liberally with kosher salt and black pepper, enhancing its taste profile.

7. Insert Meat Thermometer:

   • Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey’s thigh, ensuring it doesn’t touch the bone, as this can affect temperature accuracy.

8. Roast Turkey:

   • Place the prepared turkey into the preheated oven, ensuring it’s securely covered with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove the foil during the last hour and a half of cooking.

9. Cook Until Done:

   • Continue roasting the turkey until the thermometer registers 180°F (approximately 82°C) in the thigh or 170°F (approximately 77°C) in the breast, indicating it’s thoroughly cooked and safe to consume.

10. Rest Before Carving:

    • Once done, carefully remove the turkey from the oven, allowing it to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This crucial step helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a succulent and tender texture in every slice.

Enjoy Your Flavorful Feast! 🍽️🍊🌶️

Serve up this Orange Chili Roasted Turkey as the centerpiece of your holiday table, delighting your guests with its irresistible aroma and delectable taste. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this recipe promises to impress and satisfy even the most discerning palates.