Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 10-12 people 1x

Description

This Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey recipe offers a flavorful and juicy roasted turkey infused with fresh herbs and bright citrus notes. The turkey is slowly roasted at a moderate temperature, brushed with a citrus-herb butter mixture to enhance moisture and taste, resulting in a beautifully browned and aromatic centerpiece perfect for holiday meals or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

  • 13 lb turkey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Citrus Herb Butter

  • 1/2 stick butter (4 tablespoons)
  • 2 oranges
  • 4 sprigs rosemary
  • 3 sprigs oregano
  • 3 sprigs thyme

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the giblets, neck, and any other contents from inside the turkey cavity to prepare it for roasting.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius) to ensure an even and moderate roasting temperature.
  3. Stuff the Cavity: Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan. Cut one orange into quarters and place the pieces inside the turkey cavity. Add two sprigs of rosemary alongside the orange quarters inside the cavity for aromatic infusion.
  4. Initial Roasting: Cover the turkey with a lid or foil and roast in the oven for 3 hours to begin cooking the bird through.
  5. Prepare Citrus Herb Butter: In a small bowl, squeeze the juice from the second orange. Remove the leaves from the rosemary, oregano, and thyme sprigs and add them to the bowl. Add the 1/2 stick of butter and microwave for about 1 minute, then stir well to fully melt the butter and combine the flavors.
  6. Season the Butter Mixture: Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper to the melted butter mixture and stir thoroughly to season it evenly.
  7. Brush Turkey with Butter: Remove the turkey from the oven, use a brush to evenly coat the surface of the turkey with the citrus herb butter mixture. Replace the cover on the turkey and return it to the oven.
  8. Continue Roasting: Roast the turkey covered for an additional hour. At this time, the turkey should start to brown nicely. Check the internal temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer; ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  9. Final Browning: Remove the cover from the turkey and continue roasting uncovered until the turkey is beautifully browned and crispy on the outside. This final step enhances texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Make sure to check the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
  • Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes after roasting before carving to retain juices.
  • You can use fresh herbs of your choice if rosemary, oregano, or thyme are unavailable.
  • If your roasting pan doesn’t have a cover, tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil during covered roasting steps.
  • Consider basting again during the last uncovered roasting step for extra moisture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Turkey, Roasted Turkey, Herb Turkey, Citrus Turkey, Holiday Turkey, Thanksgiving Turkey, Roasted Turkey Recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://cookwithsophie.com/citrus-herb-roasted-turkey-recipe/