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Lemon Herb Thanksgiving Roast Turkey

Lemon herb roast turkey is roasted uncovered with sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and lemon-infused butter until the breast and thigh reach 165°F. The result is tender turkey with fragrant herb butter and golden skin for a Thanksgiving centerpiece.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Resting 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 turkey 12- to 14-pound; whole; fully thawed; neck and giblets removed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tbsp thyme fresh leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 lemons 1 zested and both quartered
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 yellow onion medium; quartered
  • 1 cup water

Equipment

  • 1 16x13-inch roasting pan

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 325°F and position a rack in the lower third.
  2. Pat the turkey dry inside and out, tuck the wing tips under the body, and set it breast-side up on a rack in a 16x13-inch roasting pan.
  3. Stir the butter, sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
  4. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs, spread about half the herb butter underneath, and rub the remaining butter over the turkey skin.
  5. Put the lemon quarters and onion loosely in the cavity, then pour the water into the roasting pan.
  6. Roast uncovered for 3 to 3 3/4 hours, beginning to check after 2 1/2 hours, until a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and the innermost thigh without touching bone; loosely tent the breast with foil if it browns too quickly.
  7. Transfer the turkey to a carving board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

For the juiciest result, check the temperature without touching bone. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days or freeze them; for a dairy-free variation, use dairy-free butter.