This mouthwatering Thanksgiving turkey recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations. Infused with citrus and herbs, and kept tender with a champagne broth, this turkey turns out juicy and flavorful every time. Perfect for your holiday table!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 10
How to Cook the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
This recipe will guide you step-by-step, but here’s an overview of the key steps:
- Season the Turkey: Mix parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon-pepper, and salt. Rub the turkey’s cavity with the herb blend and stuff it with orange wedges, celery, onion, and carrot for added flavor.
- Prepare for Roasting: Place the seasoned turkey in a foil-lined roasting pan. Pour champagne and chicken broth over the turkey, ensuring the cavity gets some liquid for extra moisture.
- Roast the Turkey: Cover the turkey with foil and roast until the juices run clear. Uncover during the final stage to get that beautiful golden-brown skin.
Key Tips for a Perfect Turkey:
- How Long to Thaw a Turkey: Allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds in the fridge.
- Best Way to Season: The herb stuffing combined with champagne and broth infuses the meat with amazing flavor while keeping it moist.
- Cooking Time: Roast at 350°F for about 13-15 minutes per pound. A 15-pound turkey takes around 3.5 hours.
- Internal Temperature: Always ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 180°F in the thigh to guarantee it’s fully cooked.
Storing Leftovers
Place turkey leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best results.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons rubbed sage
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 tablespoons lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoons salt
- 15 lb whole turkey (neck and giblets removed)
- 1 orange, cut into wedges
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 bottle (750 ml) champagne
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) chicken broth
Directions for Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Step 1:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all ingredients and line a roasting pan with aluminum foil, leaving enough to wrap around the turkey.
Step 2:
Mix parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon-pepper seasoning, and salt in a small bowl.
Step 3:
Rub the herb mixture inside the turkey cavity. Stuff the cavity with orange wedges, onion, carrot, and celery. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wings under the body.
Step 4:
Place the turkey in the roasting pan and pour champagne and chicken broth over it, ensuring some liquid goes inside the cavity.
Step 5:
Wrap the foil around the turkey, sealing it tightly but avoiding direct contact with the turkey’s surface.
Step 6:
Roast for 2 ½ to 3 hours, until the juices run clear. Uncover and continue roasting for 30-60 minutes until the skin turns golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 180°F (82°C) when checked in the thickest part of the thigh.
Step 7:
Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Step 8:
Serve and enjoy your flavorful, juicy turkey!
Nutrition Facts for Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Servings Per Recipe: 10
Calories: 556
- Total Fat: 24g (31% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 7g (35% DV)
- Cholesterol: 201mg (67% DV)
- Sodium: 680mg (30% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 4g (2% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 69g (139% DV)
- Vitamin C: 6mg (7% DV)
- Calcium: 94mg (7% DV)
- Iron: 5mg (30% DV)
- Potassium: 789mg (17% DV)