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Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe First Image

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 240 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast, infused with seasoned butter and fresh herbs for incredible flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
  • 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 12-14 lb thawed turkey (giblets removed, rinse and pat dry)
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 1 medium onion (quartered)
  • 1 medium orange (quartered)
  • 1 small bulb garlic (top cut off)
  • 1 bunch each fresh sage, rosemary and thyme (Reserve 1 Tbsp thyme leaves for butter)
  • 1/2 cup butter (melted)
  • 1 Tbsp honey
  • 1 Tbsp orange zest

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together salt, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning and black pepper.
  2. Using your fingers, separate the skin from the meat on the breast, Season with rub under the skin. Use remaining on all sides and interior of turkey.
  3. Place turkey into a dish or on a rimmed pan, cover with plastic wrap. Chill overnight.
  4. To prepare: Remove turkey from fridge 1 hour prior to roasting. Set oven rack to lowest position and preheat oven to 325°F. Spray a roasting pan fitted with rack, with cooking spray.
  5. Center turkey on rack. Tie legs using kitchen twine and tuck wings under. Pour stock into pan.
  6. Place onion, orange, sage, rosemary and thyme with garlic inside turkey. Sprinkle breast with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
  7. Mix together butter, honey, reserved thyme and orange zest. Drizzle 1/3 over turkey.
  8. Roast turkey for about 2 1/2-3 hours total, depending on weight. Roast until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the thigh registers 165-170°F. Check at 1 1/2-2 hours, drizzle with 1/3 reserved butter and lay foil on top of the breast, to prevent over-cooking and over-browning.
  9. Transfer turkey to a platter brush or drizzle with remaining citrus herb butter, Cover loosely with foil. Rest for 20 up to 30 minutes.
  10. Turkey Gravy: Pour pan juices into a saucepan, bring to a boil. You can add more chicken stock if needed. Whisk in a flour slurry, of all-purpose flour and chicken stock (or milk) whisking until smooth. Cook whisking until thickened then immediately lower the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Keep warm until serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider using a combination of fresh and dried herbs.
  • Let the turkey rest for optimal juiciness before carving.
  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 180 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg