Juicy Herb-Roasted Turkey – Golden, Moist & Perfect for Thanksgiving
When your kitchen smells like rosemary, butter, and warmth — you know it’s Thanksgiving!
This Juicy Herb-Roasted Turkey brings together everything we love about the holiday: tender meat, crisp golden skin, and a buttery herb aroma that fills every corner of your home.
It’s a showstopper without the stress — easy enough for first-timers, elegant enough for tradition keepers. With a few fresh herbs, softened butter, and simple roasting steps, you’ll create a turkey so flavorful it practically carves itself.
(And yes, those leftovers? Tomorrow’s sandwiches will taste like heaven.)
Juicy Herb-Roasted Turkey – Golden, Moist & Perfect for Thanksgiving
Equipment
- Roasting pan with rack
- Basting brush or spoon
- Meat thermometer
- Kitchen twine
- Carving knife
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey 12–14 lbs, thawed
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon halved
- 1 onion quartered
- 1 cup chicken broth or turkey stock
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C)
Prepare Butter Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, sage, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Prepare Turkey:
- Remove giblets and pat turkey dry with paper towels. Place on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
Butter Under the Skin:
- Gently loosen the turkey skin and spread half the herb butter underneath. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
Stuff Cavity:
- Place lemon halves and onion inside the cavity. Tuck wings under the body.
Roast:
- Pour broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast uncovered, basting every 45 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (about 3 hours for a 12–14 lb bird).
Rest:
- Remove turkey and tent with foil. Let rest for 30 minutes before carving for maximum juiciness.
Notes
🧊 Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep moist.
✨ Tips & Variations
- Butter Upgrade: Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or lemon zest to your herb butter for a bright flavor twist.
- Crispier Skin: Pat turkey very dry before buttering — moisture is the enemy of crispness!
- Roasting Pan Trick: Add rough-chopped carrots, celery, and onion under the rack for natural pan drippings and richer gravy.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prep and butter the turkey the night before; refrigerate uncovered to let the skin dry out for a perfectly browned crust.
- Herb Flexibility: Substitute rosemary with Italian seasoning, or add a dash of smoked paprika for deeper color and aroma.
- For Smaller Gatherings: Use the same recipe with a bone-in turkey breast (5–6 lbs) and roast for 1½–2 hours.
🍷 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows for a timeless holiday trio.
- Add brightness with Homemade Cranberry Orange Relish — the tart-sweet balance makes the turkey shine.
- Garnish your platter with fresh rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and pomegranate seeds for a festive, photo-ready finish.
- Serve alongside a light Apple Cider Punch or Sparkling Cranberry Spritzer to complement the savory richness.
- Save the leftovers for a Turkey & Herb Butter Sandwich on toasted brioche — heaven the next day.
💬 “A thankful heart turns a simple meal into a feast.”
— The Recipe Host
✨ Shop My Holiday Kitchen:
For this turkey, I rely on a few trusty tools that make the process simple and stress-free — a sturdy roasting pan, a reliable meat thermometer, and my favorite basting brush. Once you’ve got those, you’re already halfway to a perfect, golden roast.
Happy cooking!
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