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Roast Turkey

Home cook, taken with iPhone 14. Close-up slight angle of comforting roast turkey on white plate. Warm appetizing --ar 4:3 --style raw --s 240

A classic roast turkey, perfectly seasoned and tender, ideal for festive dinners or special occasions. This recipe guides you through achieving a crispy skin and juicy meat every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub the turkey all over with olive oil or melted butter.
  4. Season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
  5. Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and garlic.
  6. Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
  7. Pour chicken broth into the pan to keep the turkey moist while roasting.
  8. Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with pan juices.
  9. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Notes

For an extra crispy skin, increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) during the last 20 minutes of roasting. Serve with your favorite gravy and side dishes.