This easy herb-roasted turkey recipe is a perfect choice for a festive meal, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. The blend of herbs and spices creates a flavorful and moist turkey that will impress your guests. Follow these simple steps to prepare and roast the turkey to perfection.
Ingredients for Easy Herb Roasted Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 orange, quartered
- 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
How to Make Easy Herb Roasted Turkey:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Tuck the wing tips under the body of the turkey.
- Place the onion, lemon, and orange quarters inside the turkey cavity.
- Brush the herb butter mixture all over the turkey, making sure to coat the entire surface.
- Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, about 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Turkey: Choose a fresh or thawed turkey for this recipe. The size can vary depending on the number of guests you are serving.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and helps the herbs adhere to the turkey skin. You can use unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley add a fragrant and flavorful element to the turkey. Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a savory flavor that complements the herbs and butter.
- Citrus: Lemon and orange quarters inside the turkey cavity add a subtle citrus flavor and help keep the meat moist.
This easy herb-roasted turkey recipe is sure to become a favorite for your holiday gatherings. Enjoy the delicious flavors and aromas of this classic dish!
