Description
Learn how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey with this simple guide.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Rub the softened butter all over the turkey.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, rosemary, and thyme.
- Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan.
- Pour chicken broth into the pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, removing the foil for the last 30 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Brining the turkey overnight improves flavor.
- Save the drippings for gravy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: how to cook thanksgiving turkey