This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey is juicy and tasty, perfect for gatherings. It’s slathered in a flavorful herb butter that makes every bite delightful!
Honestly, the smell of this turkey roasting in the oven is enough to get anyone to the dining table. You’ll be the star of Thanksgiving with this dish! 😄
I love how easy it is to prepare. Just rub the herb butter on the turkey, pop it in the oven, and relax while it cooks. It’s a winner every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A 12-14 pound turkey is great for gatherings. If you have a smaller crowd, you can use a smaller bird or even a whole chicken as a substitute!
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice to control the saltiness in your dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage add wonderful flavor. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can work in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb for every tablespoon of fresh.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a great flavor, but you could also use garlic powder if needed. Just use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of fresh garlic.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Turkey is Juicy and Flavorful?
To make your turkey juicy and flavorful, the method of buttering both under the skin and on the exterior is key. This adds flavor and moisture. Here’s how to do it:
- Loosen the skin carefully to avoid tearing it. This is where the flavor really penetrates!
- Spread half the herb butter mixture under the skin, ensuring even coverage—this is crucial for flavor.
- Rub the remaining butter all over the turkey to form a tasty crust as it roasts.
Don’t forget to baste the turkey every 45 minutes with its own juices. This helps keep the meat moist while enhancing the flavor!
How Do You Know When the Turkey is Fully Cooked?
Checking for doneness is simple with a meat thermometer! Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. Aim for 165°F (74°C); this guarantees your turkey is safe to eat and super juicy!
After taking it out of the oven, let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring every slice is tasty.
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock
- Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme, sage) for garnish and stuffing
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-45 minutes of prep time, plus approximately 3-4 hours to roast in the oven, depending on the size of your turkey. Make sure to allow additional time for resting before carving. You’ll end up with a perfectly golden and juicy turkey!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
Start by removing the turkey from its packaging. Don’t forget to take out the giblets and neck from the cavity! Pat the turkey dry using paper towels, both inside and out. This helps achieve that nice crispy skin you want.
2. Make the Herb Butter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with the chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This herb butter is what makes our turkey flavorful and delicious!
3. Season the Turkey:
Now, gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast using your fingers. Be gentle, so you don’t tear it! Spread about half of the herb butter mixture underneath the skin of the turkey breast. Rub the rest of the butter all over the outside of the turkey for a lovely herb crust.
4. Stuff the Cavity:
Take the halved lemon, quartered onion, and a few sprigs of the fresh herbs, and stuff them into the cavity of the turkey. This adds even more flavor to your turkey as it roasts!
5. Truss and Prepare for Roasting:
Use kitchen twine to tie the legs of the turkey together and tuck the wing tips under the body to ensure they don’t burn. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
6. Add Broth and Tent:
Pour 2 cups of chicken broth or turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan. If you want, drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the turkey for extra browning. Then, loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too quickly.
7. Roast the Turkey:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound. Baste it every 45 minutes with the pan juices, and remove the foil during the last 45 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up nicely.
8. Check for Doneness:
Your turkey is ready when a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This resting time helps keep all those juicy flavors in!
9. Make the Pan Sauce (optional):
While your turkey is resting, you can make a simple herb gravy using the drippings in the pan. Just deglaze with white wine or additional stock and whisk in some butter or flour to thicken. Yum!
10. Serve:
Carve the turkey and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve it with your favorite sides and, of course, the herb gravy or pan sauce. Enjoy every bite of your herb butter roasted turkey!
Can I Use a Different Type of Bird for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken or duck for the turkey. Just adjust the cooking time according to the size of the bird—generally, chicken takes less time than turkey.
What Should I Do if My Turkey is Frozen?
Make sure to thaw it completely before cooking! The best method is to keep it in the refrigerator for several days (about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds). For a quicker option, you can thaw it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to carve it off the bone and keep it moist by adding a little broth if you like. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just make sure they’re well sealed!
Can I Prepare the Herb Butter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the herb butter a day or two in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just let it soften a bit at room temperature before you spread it under the skin of the turkey.
