The Best Thanksgiving Turkey

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Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without the star of the show: a beautifully roasted turkey, golden and glistening with flavor. This recipe for The Best Thanksgiving Turkey brings together classic aromatics, a savory herb butter, and the perfect roasting method to give you juicy meat and a crispy skin every time. Whether it’s your first turkey or your tenth, this method is foolproof.

The combination of butter, herbs, garlic, and citrus infuses the bird with deep flavor from the inside out. As it roasts, the smell alone is enough to gather the entire house in the kitchen. It looks impressive on the table and tastes even better—moist, tender, and seasoned to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Turkey

This recipe simplifies what often feels like a complicated holiday task. With easy-to-follow steps and common ingredients, you’ll feel confident pulling this together. The herb butter not only seasons the turkey but also helps to baste the skin as it melts, resulting in a golden, crispy crust that guests will rave about. Plus, the citrus and onion stuffed inside keep the bird extra juicy.

No brining, no fancy equipment—just simple ingredients and a tried-and-true roasting technique that brings Thanksgiving magic to your table.

What Size Turkey Should I Buy?

A good rule of thumb is to allow 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. So for a gathering of 10, a 12-14 pound bird is ideal. If you want leftovers (and who doesn’t?), lean toward the higher end. Fresh or frozen both work, just make sure to thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator for about 24 hours per every 4 pounds.

Ingredients for the Best Thanksgiving Turkey

You don’t need anything fancy to make a memorable turkey. A few fresh herbs, citrus, and pantry staples go a long way. What makes this recipe so flavorful is how the ingredients work together to create layers of taste that soak into the meat while roasting.

• Whole turkey (12-14 lbs): The main event. Make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before roasting.
• Unsalted butter: Softened and mixed with herbs, it gives the skin a golden, crisp texture and deep flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Minced and added to the herb butter for a rich, aromatic taste.
• Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage: These herbs bring an earthy, comforting essence perfect for a holiday bird.
• Orange and lemon: Cut in halves and stuffed inside the cavity, adding brightness and moisture.
• Onion: Roasted inside the turkey, it adds a savory balance to the citrus.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the skin and interior.
• Olive oil: Helps the skin get that perfect golden crisp.
• Chicken broth: Poured into the roasting pan to prevent drippings from burning and adds flavor to your gravy base.

How To Make the Best Thanksgiving Turkey

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the turkey giblets and pat the bird completely dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take off the chill.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s a thick, spreadable paste.

Step 3: Season and Stuff

Rub the herb butter under the skin and over the entire turkey, including the legs and wings. Tuck the wings under. Stuff the cavity with orange halves, lemon halves, and onion.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast uncovered for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Carve

Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, flavorful slices.

How to Serve and Store Your Thanksgiving Turkey

This recipe feeds about 10 to 12 people generously, especially with sides. After carving, serve it on a warm platter surrounded by extra herbs or citrus slices for a beautiful holiday presentation.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Slice the meat and place it in airtight containers. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for soups, sandwiches, or casseroles.

What to Serve With Thanksgiving Turkey?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The ultimate comfort side. Whip them with cream cheese and butter for an ultra-smooth finish.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

A holiday favorite with creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions.

Cornbread Stuffing

Savory, golden, and full of southern charm, this stuffing is the perfect companion to juicy turkey.

Cranberry Sauce

Tart and sweet, this bright sauce cuts through the richness of the turkey.

Gravy Made from Pan Drippings

Don’t skip the homemade gravy. It brings all the elements on the plate together.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Adds a slightly bitter contrast that balances the richness of the meal.

Sweet Potato Casserole

A touch of brown sugar and marshmallows makes this side dish taste like dessert.

Dinner Rolls

Soft and warm, perfect for sopping up every last bit of gravy.

Want More Holiday Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Thanksgiving turkey, you might enjoy these cozy dishes next:

• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for an easy yet indulgent crowd-pleaser.
• Boilermaker Tailgate Chili that’s hearty and perfect for cold evenings.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta with rich flavor that rivals any restaurant.
• Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole for a seafood twist on a festive dinner.
• Loaded Scalloped Potatoes for a side dish that steals the spotlight.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so you can come back to it every year.

And let me know in the comments how it turned out. Did you use citrus or try something new like apples or herbs de Provence? Did you spatchcock it for faster cooking?

I love hearing how you make it your own. Got questions? Drop them below and let’s make Thanksgiving even better together.

Explore beautifully curated festive dishes and health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find new inspiration for your next celebration.

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