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Easy No Fail Thanksgiving Turkey

A foolproof, juicy, golden-roasted Thanksgiving turkey with herb butter, aromatics, and simple steps. Perfect for beginners and guaranteed to come out tender and flavorful.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner, Holiday
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Turkey
  • 1 whole turkey 12–16 lbs, thawed
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 2 celery stalks cut
  • 2 carrots cut
Herb Butter
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Pan
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • fresh rosemary extra sprigs
  • fresh thyme extra sprigs

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Pat turkey dry and prepare herb butter.
  3. Rub butter under and over the turkey skin.
  4. Stuff cavity with aromatics.
  5. Place turkey in a roasting pan with broth.
  6. Roast 13–15 minutes per pound.
  7. Increase heat to 425°F to brown skin.
  8. Rest 30–45 minutes before carving.

Notes

For an extra golden finish, brush turkey with a tablespoon of melted butter during the final broil.