Print

Orange Herb Butter Turkey Recipe Perfect for Holiday Feasts

orange herb butter turkey - featured image
Print Recipe

This Orange Herb Butter Turkey recipe combines citrusy brightness, savory herbs, and buttery succulence to create a juicy, flavorful centerpiece for holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12–14 pounds whole turkey, thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • Zest from 2 fresh oranges
  • Juice from 2 fresh oranges
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 2 medium onions, quartered
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey stock

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and remove the turkey from the fridge. Pat it dry with paper towels and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of orange zest, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  3. Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast without tearing it. Use your hands or a spoon to spread the orange herb butter under the skin, ensuring even coverage. Rub any leftover butter over the outside of the turkey.
  4. Place the chopped carrots, celery, and onions in the bottom of the roasting pan. Add 2 cups of chicken or turkey stock to the pan.
  5. If desired, tie the legs together using kitchen twine to help the turkey cook evenly. Tuck the wings under the bird to prevent burning.
  6. Place the turkey on the rack in the roasting pan. Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes with the juices from the pan to keep it moist.
  7. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast and thigh. The breast should reach 165°F (74°C), and the thigh should be at 175°F (79°C).
  8. Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before carving.

Notes

[‘Don’t skip the butter under the skin to keep the meat moist and flavorful.’, ‘Use fresh herbs for a more robust flavor.’, ‘Allow the turkey to rest after cooking to keep the juices locked in.’, ‘If the skin starts to brown too quickly during roasting, tent the turkey loosely with foil.’, ‘You can make the orange herb butter up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.’, ‘Start checking the turkey’s temperature about 30 minutes before the expected end time.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Orange Herb Butter Turkey, Thanksgiving Turkey, Holiday Recipe, Roasted Turkey, Citrus Herb Turkey

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/orange-herb-butter-turkey-recipe-perfect-for-holiday-feasts/