Citrus Herb-Roasted Turkey

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This is an easy citrus herb-roasted turkey for Thanksgiving. It is the Best Thanksgiving turkey recipe. It is juicy, golden, and insanely flavorful; you don't need to brine it.

Prep Time30

Cook Time3 30

Total Time4

Course: Dinner, Holiday Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey, Roasted Turkey, Thanksgiving Turkey

Servings:

Calories: 819kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

14 lbs Turkey
3 Oranges
2 Lemons
1 Lime
1 Onion or 2 shallots
3 springs Rosemary
3 springs Thyme
3 springs Sage

Herb Butter

8 oz Butter grass-fed, unsalted
2 tbsp Rosemary chopped
2 tbsp Thyme chopped
1 tbsp Sage chopped
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper

Veggies for the roasting pan

4 stalks Selery
1 Onion or 2 shallots
2 Oranges Quattered
2 Lemons
3 springs Rosemary
3 springs Thyme
2 springs sage
2 cup Turkey broths for basting

Instructions

Thaw and Prep the Turkey
Once your turkey is fully thawed, allow it to rest at room temperature for about an hour. This helps ensure even cooking. Check both the main cavity and the neck cavity to remove the bag of giblets and the neck. You can set these aside for making gravy or discard them if you prefer.
Dry and Stuff the Turkey
Use paper towels to pat the turkey dry thoroughly, as this step is crucial for achieving crispy, golden skin. Generously season the interior with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with quartered orange, lime, onion or shallot, lemon, and sprigs of fresh herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary. Be mindful of sage, as its strong flavor can overpower the other herbs. Tighten the legs with a string.
Prepare Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, sage, and thyme. This flavorful herb butter will keep the turkey moist and infuse it with delicious aromas.
Apply the Herb Butter
Carefully loosen the skin on top of the turkey breasts by sliding your fingers underneath. Spread about one-third of the herb butter under the skin for maximum flavor. Use the remaining butter to coat the outside of the turkey generously.
Skip Trussing the Legs
Although tying the turkey legs together might look traditional, it restricts airflow and can lead to uneven cooking. Leave the legs untied to ensure the meat cooks evenly.
Cook the Turkey
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place your turkey on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan or atop a bed of vegetables, or both, for added flavor. Bake it for 30 minutes and lower the temperature to 325 F and finish baking. Baste with turkey broth every 20 minutes or so. Check the internal temperature (165°F). Please remove it from teh oven and let it rest wrapped in parchment paper for 30 minutes.

Nutrition