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Cozy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey with Citrus

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This herb butter roasted turkey with citrus is the ultimate holiday centerpiece, featuring juicy meat, crispy golden skin, and bright, herby flavors. It’s a stress-free recipe that turns any occasion into a memorable feast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 lemons, halved
  • 1 orange, quartered
  • 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)

Instructions

  1. Prep the turkey the night before: Remove giblets and neck, pat turkey completely dry. Mix salt, pepper, and baking powder; sprinkle all over turkey (inside cavity, under skin, and outside). Place on a sheet pan or roasting rack, uncovered, in the fridge overnight.
  2. About 1 hour before roasting, take turkey out of fridge to come to room temperature.
  3. Make herb butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, orange zest, and red pepper flakes. Mix until uniform.
  4. Apply butter under skin: Gently loosen skin over breast and thighs, push herb butter under skin, and spread evenly. Rub remaining butter over outside of turkey.
  5. Stuff cavity with halved lemons, quartered orange, halved garlic head, quartered onion, and extra herb sprigs. Tie legs with kitchen twine; tuck wing tips under body.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place turkey on rack in roasting pan. Pour chicken broth and white wine into pan (not over turkey). Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes.
  7. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) without opening oven. Roast for 2 to 2.5 hours, until thickest part of thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Tent with foil if skin gets too dark.
  8. Transfer turkey to cutting board and rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

For best results, dry brine the turkey overnight. Use a thermometer to check doneness; do not rely solely on time. Let turkey rest at least 30 minutes before carving. If skin browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted turkey, herb butter turkey, citrus turkey, holiday turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas turkey, juicy turkey, crispy skin turkey

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/cozy-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-with-citrus-the-best-holiday-recipe/