Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
This Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey is seasoned with aromatic herbs, citrus, and champagne to ensure a moist and flavorful bird. The champagne and broth combination infuses the meat with incredible taste and keeps it from drying out. Serve this showstopping turkey at your holiday table for a meal to remember!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients
For the Herb Rub:
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary, ground
- 2 tablespoons rubbed dried sage
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Turkey:
- 1 (15-pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
- 1 medium orange, cut into 8 wedges
- 1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
- 1 medium carrot, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 celery stalks, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 1 (750 ml) bottle of champagne
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of chicken broth
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil, ensuring that you have enough foil to wrap around the entire turkey.
- In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon-pepper seasoning, and salt.
2. Season and Stuff the Turkey:
- Rub the herb mixture evenly inside the turkey cavity, ensuring that the flavors infuse the meat.
- Stuff the cavity with orange wedges, onion, carrot, and celery. These aromatics add incredible moisture and flavor.
- Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body to ensure even roasting.
3. Prepare for Roasting:
• Position the turkey in the roasting pan lined with foil, making sure the breast is facing upward.
- Pour the champagne and chicken broth over the turkey, ensuring some liquid goes inside the cavity for extra moisture.
- Carefully fold the aluminum foil over the turkey, sealing it tightly to lock in the steam and juices.
4. Roast the Turkey:
- Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the juices run clear.
- Carefully uncover the turkey and continue roasting for 30 to 60 more minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown.
- To check for doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone). It should read 180°F (80°C).
- If the skin begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the turkey with foil.
5. Rest and Serve:
- Take the turkey out of the oven and lightly drape a piece of foil over it, allowing it to rest undisturbed.Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices to settle back into the meat, ensuring it stays juicy and tender.
- Carve the turkey, serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!
Pro Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Turkey
✅ Brining Option: If time allows, brine the turkey overnight in salted water, herbs, and citrus for extra flavor and tenderness.
✅ Crispier Skin: For an ultra-crispy finish, pat the turkey skin dry before roasting and rub it with a little melted butter or olive oil.
✅ Flavor Boost: Add fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme sprigs to the cavity for even more aroma.
✅ Basting Alternative: Since this turkey steams in champagne and broth, frequent basting isn’t necessary. However, you can baste every hour for additional moisture.
✅ Leftovers Idea: Shred leftover turkey for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.
Wine Pairing Suggestions
Pair this juicy turkey with a light to medium-bodied white wine such as:
🍷 Chardonnay – Its buttery notes complement the turkey’s rich flavors.
🍷 Sauvignon Blanc – A crisp, citrusy contrast to the herbal seasoning.
🍷 Pinot Noir – If you prefer red wine, its bright acidity pairs beautifully with turkey.
This Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey is guaranteed to be the star of your holiday table! The champagne-infused broth ensures tender, moist meat with layers of aromatic flavor. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a meal filled with warmth and joy.
🍂 Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
End your meal on a sweet note with one of our irresistible(desserts), from classic treats to unique creations.
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