Perfectly Roasted Turkey Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner

Roasted Turkey — a american recipe (main course) with 10 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

245

Total Time (min)

10

servings

791

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Perfectly Roasted Turkey Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner

Ingredients

Servings:
10
  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds) (Thawed if previously frozen)
  • 1 cup butter (Softened)
  • 2 tablespoons salt (For seasoning)
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 cup chicken broth (Low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) (Chopped)
  • 1 large onion (Quartered)
  • 1 large lemon (Halved)

Instructions

7 steps

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

    Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
  2. Prepare the Turkey

    Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

    Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
  3. Season the Turkey

    Rub softened butter all over the turkey, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

    Don’t forget to season the cavity.
  4. Stuff the Turkey

    Place the quartered onion, halved lemon, and fresh herbs inside the turkey cavity.

    This adds flavor and moisture.
  5. Roast the Turkey

    Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the pan.

    Baste the turkey every 30 minutes for a golden skin.
  6. Check for Doneness

    Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

    Check the thickest part of the thigh.
  7. Rest the Turkey

    Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

    This helps the juices redistribute.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Sugar-Conscious, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free. Diet: High-Protein, Low-Carb

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your american meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Coleslaw
🍽️French fries or baked potatoes
🍽️Corn on the cob

About This Dish

Perfectly Roasted Turkey Recipe for Thanksgiving Dinner is a beloved dish from American cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 245 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

American cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and traditions from around the world, shaped by the diverse cultures that make up the nation. From hearty comfort food to innovative modern dishes.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cook your turkey for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F.

Rate This Recipe

How was this recipe?

Share This Recipe

Nutrition Facts

10 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat20gg
Sodium700mgmg
Total Carbohydrates0gg
Dietary Fiber0gg
Total Sugars0gg
Protein42gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineAmerican