Go Back

Easy No-Fail Thanksgiving Turkey

A juicy, flavorful, foolproof Thanksgiving turkey that roasts perfectly every time with minimal effort.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Turkey Ingredients
  • 1 whole turkey 12–14 pounds, thawed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage minced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Pat turkey dry and mix herb butter with garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Spread half of butter under turkey skin and the rest over the outside.
  4. Stuff cavity with lemon and onion.
  5. Place carrots and celery in roasting pan and place turkey on top.
  6. Add broth to the pan and roast for 3–3.5 hours, basting every 45 minutes.
  7. Rest 20–30 minutes before carving.

Notes

Great for Thanksgiving; use drippings to make gravy.