A perfectly roasted turkey is the heart of every Thanksgiving table, and this Herb Butter Roasted Turkey delivers everything you want in a holiday centerpiece—crispy golden skin, tender juicy meat, and rich savory flavor infused with fresh herbs and garlic. This recipe uses a generous slathering of compound butter under and over the skin, helping the turkey stay moist and flavorful throughout roasting. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or you're a seasoned holiday cook, this method is foolproof and produces mouthwatering results every time.
This is the kind of recipe readers come back to year after year because it’s simple, homestyle, and filled with the comforting flavors of the season. With helpful tips and best practices throughout, you’ll feel fully prepared to create a turkey that truly impresses.
Duration / Prep Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (for a 13–14 lb turkey)
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: 1 whole roasted turkey (12–14 lb)
Ingredients
Herb Butter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
Turkey
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), fully thawed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- 4–6 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4–6 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4–6 sprigs fresh sage
- 2 cups chicken broth or turkey stock
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Position an oven rack in the lower third of the oven to give the turkey plenty of space. - Prepare the Turkey:
Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavity. Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels—this step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. - Mix the Herb Butter:
In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and evenly blended. - Loosen the Skin:
Gently slide your hand under the turkey’s breast skin to loosen it without tearing. This allows the herb butter to melt into the meat for maximum flavor and moisture. - Apply the Herb Butter:
Spread half of the herb butter under the skin, covering the breast area. Rub the remaining butter over the entire outside surface of the turkey, including legs and wings. - Season the Cavity & Stuff Aromatics:
Season the inside of the cavity generously with salt and pepper. Place the onion, lemon, garlic halves, and fresh herb sprigs inside. This infuses steam and aroma into the turkey as it roasts. - Prepare for Roasting:
Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan. Pour the broth into the bottom of the pan—this prevents burning and keeps the roast moist. - Roast the Turkey:
Roast uncovered for about 13–15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
Tip: Tent with foil if the skin darkens too quickly. - Baste Regularly:
Baste the turkey with pan drippings every 45 minutes for a beautifully browned, flavorful finish. - Rest Before Carving:
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20–30 minutes. Resting ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the turkey tender and moist when sliced.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
(Estimated values)
Calories: 402 | Protein: 52g | Fat: 20g | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Sodium: 418mg
Conclusion
This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey is the quintessential Thanksgiving centerpiece—golden, aromatic, and irresistibly juicy. The fresh herb butter delivers restaurant-level flavor while keeping the meat tender from breast to drumstick. Whether it’s your family’s first holiday gathering or one of many cherished traditions, this turkey recipe is sure to become a beloved staple at your Thanksgiving feast. With simple steps and expert-level results, you’ll feel confident carving and serving a turkey everyone will rave about.
