Go Back
Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey: Crispy Skin Secret! Thanksgiving turkey: master this crispy-skinned, juicy herb-roasted bird. Follow our simple steps for a holiday c

Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey: Crispy Skin Secret!

Thanksgiving turkey: master this crispy-skinned, juicy herb-roasted bird. Follow our simple steps for a holiday centerpiece worth making your guests.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (12-20) lb turkey
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh herbs (1 tablespoon each of parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 1 yellow onion, peeled and quartered

Instructions
 

  • Thaw your turkey: allow one day of thawing per 5lb in the fridge on a pan. Remove giblets and neck. Drain liquid, rinse, and pat dry with paper towels.
  • Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Sprinkle the inside and outside generously with salt and pepper.
  • Make the herb butter: In a bowl, combine butter, olive oil, lemon juice, herbs (parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Carefully separate the skin from the breast and rub 1/4 of the herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the skin, breast, legs, and wings. Tuck wings under to prevent burning.
  • Stuff the turkey with the quartered onion and lemon. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. If prepping ahead, refrigerate at this point.
  • If time allows, let the turkey sit at room temperature for an hour before cooking. Preheat oven to 425°F. Adjust oven rack so the turkey sits in the center.
  • Cook for 30 minutes at 425°F until the skin is crispy and golden. Reduce heat to 350°F. Tent loosely with foil. Bake for 13 minutes per pound at 350°F, or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. Baste frequently with pan liquids.
  • Remove from oven and let the turkey rest, loosely covered with foil, for one hour before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a tender, moist bird.

Video

Notes

- For the most flavorful Thanksgiving turkey, let the herb butter-rubbed bird sit in the fridge overnight before roasting.
- Achieve perfect doneness: a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) should read 165°F (74°C).
- If your turkey browns too quickly, tent it with foil. This prevents over-browning while allowing the inside to cook through.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.