Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe
A juicy and flavorful roast turkey recipe with crispy skin, perfect for holiday feasts and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-15 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the turkey by patting it dry with paper towels and removing any giblets.
- Season the turkey by mixing butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a bowl. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, carrots, and celery for extra moisture and flavor.
- Roast the turkey: Place it on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the pan to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
- Cook uncovered for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices or additional melted butter.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the turkey for 30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 1 hour before roasting for even cooking.
- Cover with foil if the skin browns too quickly.
- Use the pan drippings to make a delicious homemade gravy.