Classic Thanksgiving Roast Turkey

Name: Classic Thanksgiving Roast Turkey
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey, about 12 to 14 pounds; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 large yellow onion, quartered; 1 lemon, halved; 1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups chicken or turkey broth

This golden, juicy roasted turkey is the star of every holiday table.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· August 3, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

20 minutes

Cook

3 hours 30 minutes

Total

4 hours

Serves

Thanksgiving is the best time of year to get everyone around the table for a hearty meal. This simple roasted turkey recipe ensures the meat stays moist while the skin gets perfectly crispy for your guests.

My secret tip is to let the bird sit at room temperature for about thirty minutes before you put it in the oven. This helps it cook more evenly so you get a perfect result every single time.

🧺 Ingredients

1 whole turkey, about 12 to 14 pounds
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 large yellow onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups chicken or turkey broth

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels.
3
Mix the softened butter with the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4
Rub the herb butter all over the outside of the turkey and under the skin of the breast.
5
Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the onion, lemon, and garlic.
6
Place the turkey on a rack inside a large roasting pan and pour the broth into the bottom of the pan.
7
Roast the turkey for about 3 to 4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 30 minutes before carving.

💡 Tips

Make sure to save the pan drippings to create a delicious homemade gravy. Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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