Description
Looking for the ultimate centerpiece to wow your holiday guests? This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey is juicy, flavorful, and simple to prepare. It features garlic herb butter under crisp golden skin and a savory citrus-onion stuffing inside. Perfect for both first-time hosts and seasoned cooks, this recipe brings maximum flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for cozy family dinners or grand holiday gatherings, it checks every box for a quick dinner, easy recipe, and classic comfort food idea.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (12 to 14 pounds)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
1 lemon, halved
1 yellow onion, quartered
2 carrots, cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the rack in the lower third.
2. Remove giblets from the turkey and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels.
3. Season the inside of the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff it with the halved lemon, onion quarters, and herb sprigs.
4. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
5. Gently loosen the turkey skin with your fingers. Spread some of the garlic herb butter underneath the skin and rub the rest all over the exterior.
6. In a large roasting pan, place carrots and celery at the bottom. Set the turkey on top or on a roasting rack.
7. Pour chicken broth into the pan to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
8. Roast uncovered for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
9. If the turkey browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
10. Let the turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving to lock in moisture. Serve with pan drippings or homemade gravy.
Notes
Use a digital thermometer for accurate doneness to avoid overcooking.
Make the garlic herb butter a day ahead to save time and deepen flavor.
Let the turkey rest before carving—it keeps every slice tender and juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving turkey, easy dinner, roasted turkey, holiday recipe