Best Easy Thanksgiving Turkey | Juicy Roast Holiday Recipe
A juicy, flavorful herb-butter roasted turkey with crisp golden skin — perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday feast.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–3½ hours
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
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1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 onion, halved
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1 lemon, quartered
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2 carrots, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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1 large onion, chopped
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6 garlic cloves, smashed
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Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat turkey dry.
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Mix softened butter with herbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
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Loosen turkey skin and spread butter under and over the skin.
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Fill cavity with lemon wedges, onion, and extra herbs.
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Place chopped vegetables in roasting pan and set turkey on top.
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Tuck wings, tie legs if desired. Drizzle skin with olive oil.
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Roast for 13–15 minutes per pound. Baste every 45 minutes.
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Turkey is done when thigh temp reaches 165°F.
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Rest for 30–45 minutes before carving.
Notes
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Use dry brine for extra flavor if prepping ahead.
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Don’t overstuff the cavity — allow air to circulate.
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Save pan drippings for gravy.