Ingredients
Scale
Before you start, gather the following ingredients to ensure a seamless cooking experience:
For the Turkey
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Herb Butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
For the Stuffing
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 apple, quartered
- 4 sprigs rosemary
- 4 sprigs thyme
Additional
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Kitchen twine
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your herb-roasted turkey:
Preparation
- Thaw the Turkey: If using a frozen turkey, ensure it’s fully thawed. This can take several days in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
Prepping the Turkey
- Clean the Turkey: Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season the Turkey: Generously season the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Rub the outside with salt and pepper as well.
- Stuff the Turkey: Fill the cavity with the quartered onion, lemon, apple, and herb sprigs.
- Apply Herb Butter: Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breasts and thighs. Spread the herb butter under the skin, ensuring even coverage.
- Truss the Turkey: Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the body to ensure even cooking.
Roasting
- Place in Roasting Pan: Position the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Roast the Turkey: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Roast the turkey, basting occasionally with pan juices.
- Cook Until Done: The turkey is ready when the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). This typically takes about 3 to 4 hours, but times may vary.
Resting and Carving
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist turkey.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the turkey using a sharp knife, serving immediately with your choice of sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 330
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 135mg