Description
This Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe is a stress-free way to prepare a delicious turkey for your holiday feast. With simple seasoning and easy steps, you’ll have juicy meat and crispy skin without the need for brining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, halved
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 head garlic, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Pat dry and place on a roasting rack in a pan.
- Season the Butter: Mix softened butter with seasonings to make a paste.
- Season and Roast: Spread butter under the turkey skin, rub the rest over the turkey, stuff the cavity, and pour broth into the pan.
- Roast the Turkey: Roast uncovered until cooked through, basting every 45 minutes.
- Rest and Carve: Let the turkey rest before carving.
Notes
- No brining or complex prep needed.
- Use pan drippings for flavorful gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
