Easy Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe for a Perfect Holiday Dinner
This easy juicy roast turkey recipe is infused with garlic, herbs, and butter—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for holiday dinners.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 210 minutes (3.5 hours)
- Total Time: 240 minutes (4 hours)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (12–14 lb), thawed
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 large onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
Instructions
Thaw & Prep: Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator at least 24 hours in advance. Pat dry with paper towels.
Make Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.
Season Turkey: Carefully slide fingers under the turkey skin to loosen it. Spread herb butter under the skin and all over the outside of the turkey.
Stuff Cavity: Place onion quarters and lemon halves inside the turkey cavity.
Set Up Pan: Pour chicken broth into a large roasting pan. Place a roasting rack on top and set the turkey breast-side up.
Roast Turkey: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Roast for 3–3.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Optional Finish: For crispier skin, increase oven temp to 400°F (200°C) for the final 20 minutes.
Rest: Let turkey rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
Notes
Frequent basting helps lock in juices and create a golden, crispy skin.
Always use a roasting rack for even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—the thigh should reach 165°F.
