This article provides a step-by-step guide and recipe for cooking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey. The recipe includes ingredients such as unsalted butter, kosher salt, black pepper, thyme, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, and chicken broth. The instructions cover preparing the turkey, making a basting mixture, roasting the turkey in the oven, and letting it rest before carving. Tips and tricks are provided, such as using a meat thermometer, letting the turkey sit at room temperature, basting every 30 minutes, adding broth to the pan, and allowing the turkey to rest. Following this guide will help create a delicious and impressive Thanksgiving feast.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Thanksgiving is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States. It is a time to gather with family and friends to share a feast of delicious food. When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, the centerpiece is undoubtedly the turkey. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you create the perfect golden brown roasted turkey for your Thanksgiving feast.

Ingredients

• 1 12-15 pound whole turkey
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Rinse the turkey with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, salt, pepper, thyme, sage, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Using a basting brush, coat the outside of the turkey with the butter and spice mixture. Make sure to get under the skin and in the cavity as well.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan breast-side up. Add the chicken broth to the bottom of the pan.
6. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey’s thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The thermometer should read 165°F when the turkey is fully cooked.
7. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
8. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
9. Once the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, making it moist and flavorful.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is fully cooked but not overcooked.
• Let the turkey sit at room temperature before cooking to help it cook more evenly.
• Basting the turkey every 30 minutes will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.
• Adding chicken broth to the roasting pan will help keep the turkey moist and create flavorful pan juices.
• Don’t forget to let the turkey rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a special time to gather with loved ones and enjoy good food. The turkey is the star of the show and can be a daunting task to cook. With this step-by-step guide and recipe, you can create the perfect golden brown roasted turkey that will surely impress your guests. Remember to take your time, follow the tips and tricks, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious Thanksgiving feast.