This herb-roasted turkey is a classic centerpiece for your Thanksgiving dinner. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, it delivers a delicious flavor that will impress your guests and elevate your Thanksgiving menu.
Perfect for fall dinner ideas, this recipe ensures a juicy and tender turkey that pairs wonderfully with traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
Classic Herb-Roasted Turkey for Thanksgiving

This turkey is seasoned with a blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and butter, resulting in a beautifully golden and flavorful roast. The recipe takes about 4 hours from start to finish and serves 10-12 people, making it ideal for a festive Thanksgiving gathering.
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Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- Fresh herbs for stuffing (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Make Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Season the Turkey: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the herb butter underneath the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
- Stuff the Turkey: If desired, stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and additional fresh herbs.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 10-12 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 0g