The Juiciest Roasted Turkey Recipe Step By Step Instructions

You Asked, I Answered

I asked all of YOU what your biggest turkey struggles are and took all of your responses to heart when I wrote this recipe. The turkey is the star of the show and one thing that all of you asked for was, “How do I make my turkey juicy and not dried out?” Roasting a turkey can be so intimidating, but I am here to help! I really want you to feel confident by the end of this post. Everyone will be raving about your perfect oven-roasted turkey. In fact, My son said it’s the best turkey he has EVER had and he can eat an entire turkey breast all by himself! This juicy turkey recipe is the absolute BEST!

Ingredients to Make a Juicy Roasted Turkey

I have tweaked and perfected the ingredients over the years, and these ingredients will help you achieve the most flavorful and juiciest, roasted turkey!

Turkey and Stuffing

Turkey: 12 to 20 pounds, thawed. Onion: Delicious onion flavor absorbs into the turkey. Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add the best aromatic flavor! Rosemary and Thyme sprigs: Bold fresh herbs add incredible flavor. Apple: I love using a sweet crisp apple cut into quarters. Lemon: Brightens the flavors! Use an orange for a delicious alternative.

Herb Butter

Butter: Makes the turkey meat tender and rich in flavor. It also gives the skin its crispy and golden color! Dried Herbs: Oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme are the ultimate turkey seasonings! I prefer dried herbs because fresh herbs tend to burn on the top of the turkey. You’re welcome to use fresh! Salt and Pepper: Balances the flavors in the turkey!

How to Thaw and Prep a Turkey

It is best to start with a completely thawed turkey. The rule of thumb is 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. This can take 3-7 days, and I add an extra day just in case! If you need to speed up the process, thaw in cold water. You can check a turkey with a thermometer and it should read 32 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the bird. Anything colder and it might still be frozen. Remember to never thaw your turkey at room temperature! Once thawed, here are a few steps to prepare your turkey.

Roasting Instructions for a Juicy Turkey

This recipe is super straightforward and you will become a turkey master with my step-by-step instructions! No more stressing about the turkey on Thanksgiving day.

Tent with Foil: This helps protect the turkey breast from direct heat, but continues to cook the rest of the turkey evenly. Cover the turkey loosely with the aluminum foil, then remove it towards the end, if needed. Check the Oven Temperature: The oven might be too hot for the turkey. I like to roast my turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If you need to reduce the oven temperature to slow the cooking process you can. A lower temperature also helps the turkey to cook more evenly. Rack Placement: Make sure the turkey isn’t too close to the top element of the oven. Adjust or remove one of the racks if needed to make room for the turkey to roast. Place the turkey in the lower half of the oven.

DO NOT Use the Pop-Up Timer: Immediately discard it when preparing the turkey. The pop-up timer will usually roast the turkey to 180 degrees Fahreneheit before it pops. That is far past the correct cooking temperature. The best way to watch the temperature is to use a leave-in thermometer or an instant-read thermometer. Thermometer Placement: The best place to insert the thermometer is in the thickest part of the breast. Insert your thermometer about 2 inches into the breast being careful not to hit the bone. Brining: Brining the turkey is also a great way to help the turkey retain moisture during the process. I recently dry-brined a turkey and it turned out incredible. I also have a great method for a wet brine turkey. Be sure to brine your turkey 24-48 hours before cooking. Use Chicken Stock: Adding 1 to 2 cups of chicken stock to the bottom of the roasting pan will keep the turkey from drying out. It also helps when making your turkey gravy at the end. If you are planning to brine your turkey, then skip this tip.

In the Refrigerator: Once the roasted turkey has cooled, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days. In the Freezer: After your turkey has cooled down, place it in a freezer bag. Lay your turkey flat in the bag and then zip or suction out all the air. Label your bag with the date, and store it for up to 1 month in the freezer. When ready to reheat, place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. To Reheat: To reheat in the oven, place in a baking dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes or until warm. When reheating in a microwave, heat for 1 to 2 minutes until warm. Try not to overheat, as this will leave your leftover turkey dry and hard.