Preparing a Thanksgiving turkey can be daunting, but with these simple tips, you’ll have the easiest and most delicious turkey ever. Follow these steps to roast a turkey that’s juicy, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients for Easiest Thanksgiving Turkey Ever:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
How to Make Easiest Thanksgiving Turkey Ever:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the onion, lemon, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body of the turkey.
- Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Brush the melted butter all over the turkey.
- Pour the broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C), about 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Turkey: Choose a fresh or thawed turkey for the best results. Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning the turkey generously with salt and pepper enhances its flavor.
- Aromatics: Stuffing the turkey with onion, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs infuses it with delicious flavors.
- Butter: Brushing the turkey with melted butter helps it brown evenly and adds richness to the skin.
- Broth: Adding chicken or turkey broth to the roasting pan keeps the turkey moist and flavorful.
Enjoy your Easiest Thanksgiving Turkey Ever with these simple tips!
