Foolproof Thanksgiving Turkey

A Thanksgiving turkey recipe that ensures flavor and juiciness with herb butter and a dry brine.

By @ammiskitchenig

Original recipe source

Cook time: 120 minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 0 turkey
• 4 tablespoons salt
• 4 tablespoons garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons onion powder
• 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 4 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 4 sticks salted butter
• 0 fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme)
• 3 tablespoons garlic powder
• 3 lemons lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
• 0 onion
• 0 carrot
• 0 celery
• 0 garlic cloves
• 0 thyme leaves
• 0 sage leaves
• 0 aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Pat dry the turkey. In a bowl, combine salt and dry spices and rub salt mixture all over turkey. Refrigerate the turkey uncovered overnight or up to 2 days before cooking.
2. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and adjust the oven racks so that the turkey will fit.
3. In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the herb butter and set aside.
4. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator. Use your hands to create a pocket between the skin and breast meat.
5. Add the butter into the pockets under the skin and the holes near the thighs. Massage the butter to create an even layer underneath the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the turkey.
6. Place onion, carrot, celery, garlic cloves, thyme, and sage leaves in the bottom of the roasting pan.
7. Place a roasting rack into the pan.
8. Now place the turkey on the roasting pan and cover with aluminum foil.
9. Roast in the preheated oven for an hour and a half and then remove the foil and roast another 30-40 minutes or until the skin is crisp and golden.
10. Rest the turkey for 30 minutes before serving.