Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours (depending on size)
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10–12

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Turkey

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 3–4 fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
• 2 cups chicken broth (for roasting pan)

For Basting Butter

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme

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🍽️ Directions

1. Prep the Turkey

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity.
3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels—this helps the skin get crispy.
4. Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.

2. Season the Turkey

5. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
6. Rub softened butter all over the turkey: on the skin, under the skin, and inside the cavity.
7. Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the entire turkey.
8. Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.

3. Prepare for Roasting

9. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine (optional, but it helps even cooking).
10. Tuck the wings underneath the bird so they don’t burn.
11. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.

4. Roast the Turkey

12. Place the turkey in the oven, uncovered.
13. Roast for 13–15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Baste for Flavor

14. Mix melted butter with garlic powder and rosemary.
15. Baste the turkey every 30–45 minutes using a spoon or brush.
    • If the skin gets too dark, cover loosely with foil.

6. Rest the Turkey

16. Remove turkey from the oven when done.
17. Tent loosely with aluminum foil.
18. Let it rest 20–30 minutes before carving—this keeps it juicy.

7. Serve

19. Carve the turkey and serve with stuffing, gravy, and your favorite Thanksgiving sides.
20. Enjoy your tender, flavorful Thanksgiving feast!