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Perfect Thanksgiving Roast Turkey Recipe for Juicy Results

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This perfectly juicy classic Thanksgiving roast turkey recipe delivers tender meat, golden crispy skin, and traditional flavors with simple techniques. It’s a foolproof recipe for your holiday feast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 fresh or thawed frozen turkey (12–16 pounds)
  • 1 cup coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 gallon water
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley)
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Brine the Turkey: In a large stockpot or brining bag, mix 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of coarse sea salt, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until dissolved. Submerge the turkey completely and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Season the Turkey: Rub softened butter under the skin and over the top. Sprinkle with black pepper. Stuff the cavity with garlic cloves, onion quarters, lemon halves, and fresh herbs.
  4. Set Up the Roasting Pan: Place the turkey on the roasting rack in the pan. Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Roast the Turkey: Roast uncovered for 3-3.5 hours (adjust for size: 13 minutes per pound), basting every 30 minutes with the pan drippings.
  6. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the turkey breast—it should read 165°F (74°C). The thighs should reach 175°F (79°C).
  7. Rest the Turkey: Remove from the oven and tent with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to lock in the juices.

Notes

If the skin starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the turkey with foil during roasting. Don’t skip the resting step—it’s key to keeping the turkey moist. Adjust the brine ingredients proportionally for larger turkeys.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving, Roast Turkey, Juicy Turkey, Holiday Recipe, Traditional Turkey

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/perfect-thanksgiving-roast-turkey-recipe-for-juicy-results/