If you’re searching for that perfect centerpiece to stun your family and friends, look no further than this Juicy Oven-Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe. Imagine a bird so tender it practically melts in your mouth, layered with fragrant herbs and spices that have seeped into every nook and cranny. This recipe transforms the humble turkey into a culinary masterpiece that’s bursting with flavor, moistness, and that irresistible golden crust we all adore. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special weekend dinner, this turkey is sure to become your new go-to for celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients often yield the most spectacular results, and that’s exactly what this Juicy Oven-Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe is all about. Each one plays a vital role — from the fresh herbs lending aromatic depth, to the butter ensuring luscious moistness, and the veggies creating a flavorful base for roasting.
- 12-14 lb whole turkey, thawed: The perfect size to serve about 10 people comfortably.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Helps in basting and creates a beautifully crisp skin.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds savory pungency that complements the herbs wonderfully.
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped: Lends a piney, fragrant aroma that elevates the bird’s flavor.
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped: Brings an earthy, slightly lemony touch that pairs perfectly with poultry.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a fresh, bright note for balance and color.
- 2 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and enhances the turkey’s golden color.
- 1 tbsp salt: Essential for seasoning deeply and ensuring every bite is perfectly flavored.
- 1 tsp black pepper: Gives a mild kick and rounds out the seasoning profile.
- 2 lemons, quartered: Imparts a fresh citrus zing when roasted inside the cavity.
- 1 onion, quartered: Adds sweetness and moisture from within, enriching the turkey’s aroma.
- 2 carrots, peeled and halved: Helps create a flavorful roasting base that complements the drippings.
- 2 celery stalks, halved: Provides herbal depth and moisture for basting juices.
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth (for basting): Keeps the bird juicy throughout the roasting process.
How to Make Juicy Oven-Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Herb Butter
Begin by combining the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This fragrant herb-infused butter will be the magic that locks in moisture and infuses the turkey inside and out with an irresistible flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Turkey
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up beautifully. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs with your hands, then spread half of the herb butter directly underneath the skin, covering as much surface as possible. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey, making sure every inch is coated in that savory goodness.
Step 3: Stuff the Cavity
Inside the turkey cavity, nestle the quartered lemons and onion. These will release aromatic steam that permeates the meat from within as it roasts, adding a delicate citrus and sweet onion flavor that’s utterly delicious.
Step 4: Arrange the Roasting Vegetables
Place the carrots and celery stalks in the bottom of a large roasting pan. This creates a natural rack height for the turkey to sit on while allowing pan juices to mingle with the vegetables, providing the perfect base for your gravy later on.
Step 5: Roast and Baste
Place the turkey breast-side up on top of the vegetables. Pour two cups of chicken or turkey broth into the pan to keep the environment moist during roasting. Roast the turkey in a preheated oven at 325°F, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it juicy and tender. Roast until a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh; this usually takes about 3 to 3 ½ hours for a turkey this size.
Step 6: Rest the Turkey
Once out of the oven, tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is as moist and flavorful as possible.
How to Serve Juicy Oven-Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme sprigs beautifully complement the turkey on the platter, adding a touch of greenery and a final aroma flourish. For an elegant touch, you can add thin lemon slices around the bird to echo the citrus inside.
Side Dishes
This Juicy Oven-Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and cranberry sauce. For a refreshing contrast, consider a crisp green salad or sautéed green beans with garlic.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your turkey presentation into a feast for the eyes by arranging roasted baby potatoes and colorful carrots around the bird on a large serving tray. Drizzle some pan jus over the carved meat at the table to add an interactive, mouthwatering element to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain tasty and safe to eat for 3 to 4 days when properly chilled, perfect for quick sandwiches or reheated plates.
Freezing
If you want to keep the turkey longer, chop or slice the meat and freeze it in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers. This will maintain its juiciness and flavor for up to 3 months, ideal for future easy meals.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm slices in a covered dish with a splash of broth or pan juices in a 325°F oven until heated through. This method preserves the turkey’s incredible moistness rather than drying it out.
FAQs
What is the best way to keep turkey moist during roasting?
Basting regularly with broth or pan juices while roasting and using herb-infused butter under the skin are key techniques. Also, letting the turkey rest after roasting allows the juices to redistribute making the meat juicy.
Can I prepare this Juicy Oven-Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe with frozen turkey?
It’s important to fully thaw your turkey before roasting to ensure even cooking and safe preparation. Plan ahead by thawing the turkey in the refrigerator for several days depending on weight.
How can I make sure the herbs flavor the turkey deeply?
Rubbing the butter-herb mixture directly under the skin before roasting allows the flavors to infuse the meat rather than just the surface, creating more aromatic and intense flavor throughout.
Is it necessary to baste the turkey?
Basting helps keep the skin from drying out and adds moisture throughout cooking. It also helps develop a beautiful golden color, enhancing both taste and appearance.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this recipe?
While fresh herbs provide vibrant flavor and color, dried herbs can be used if necessary. Reduce the quantity to about a third since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about preparing and sharing this Juicy Oven-Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe with loved ones. It’s not just a dish but an experience layered with warmth, love, and unforgettable flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a treasured tradition for your own table.
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Juicy Oven-Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic roasted turkey recipe delivers a juicy and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. The bird is seasoned with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and paprika, then roasted to perfection with aromatic vegetables and basted regularly to ensure moistness and a crispy, golden skin.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 12–14 lb whole turkey, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Stuffing and Aromatics
- 2 lemons, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, peeled and halved
- 2 celery stalks, halved
Basting Liquid
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for slow roasting the turkey evenly.
- Prepare Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a fragrant herb butter.
- Prepare Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels inside and out. Carefully loosen the skin over the breast and thighs without tearing. Spread a generous amount of the herb butter under the skin, and rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
- Stuff and Arrange Aromatics: Stuff the turkey cavity with quartered lemons and onions. Place the peeled carrots and celery stalks in the bottom of a large roasting pan to create a flavor bed.
- Position Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack set inside the roasting pan over the vegetables. Tuck wings under to prevent burning.
- Roast the Turkey: Put the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for about 3 to 3.5 hours (approximately 13 minutes per pound). Baste the turkey every 45 minutes with warm chicken or turkey broth to keep it moist and enhance flavor.
- Check Temperature: Begin checking the internal temperature about 30 minutes before the estimated finish time. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Turkey: Remove the turkey from oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the turkey and serve alongside your favorite side dishes and gravy made from the pan drippings.
Notes
- Allow sufficient time for the turkey to thaw safely in the refrigerator before cooking (approximately 24 hours per 4-5 pounds).
- Resting the turkey after roasting is crucial for juicy slices.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results to avoid overcooking.
- Save pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy.
- Adjust roasting time if your turkey is larger or smaller than 12-14 pounds.
