The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Every Time
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather loved ones around a beautifully roasted turkey that’s both flavorful and moist. This Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey recipe guarantees a tender, succulent bird that will steal the spotlight at your holiday feast. Infused with a blend of savory herbs and spices, and generously basted for that golden, crispy skin, this turkey is sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you choose to stuff it with a delicious homemade stuffing or serve it alongside your favorite sides, this turkey will become a cherished tradition for years to come. Get ready to create lasting memories and indulge in a feast that celebrates the essence of Thanksgiving!
Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients
- Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Stuffing (Optional):
- 4 cups cubed bread (preferably stale)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (as needed)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Clean the Turkey: Remove the turkey giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Season the Turkey: In a bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, sage, and paprika until well combined. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Rub about half of the butter mixture directly onto the meat under the skin, distributing it evenly. Rub the remaining mixture all over the outside of the turkey.
- Truss the Turkey: If desired, tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body to ensure even cooking.
2. Prepare the Stuffing (Optional)
- Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked vegetables, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Gradually add enough chicken broth to moisten the mixture without making it soggy.
- Stuff the Turkey: Spoon the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey. If there’s extra stuffing, place it in a separate baking dish.
3. Roast the Turkey
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and breast. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.
- Cover If Necessary: If the turkey skin begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
4. Rest and Serve
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Carve and Enjoy: Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides, drizzling the pan juices over the meat for added flavor.
Tips for the Juiciest Turkey
- Brine Your Turkey: For an even juicier result, consider brining your turkey in a mixture of water, salt, and spices for 12-24 hours before roasting.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked turkey, invest in a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
