Herb-Infused Citrus Turkey Roast

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 4 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Herb-Infused Citrus Turkey Roast is a delightful take on a classic dish, perfect for holidays or any special gathering. With a blend of fresh herbs and citrus, it promises a juicy and flavorful experience that stands out on any table.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Citrus Turkey Roast

Butter adds richness and helps infuse the turkey with the flavors of herbs and citrus. Lemon and orange zest provide a bright, tangy aroma that complements the savory notes of the turkey. Garlic brings a robust depth, while rosemary and thyme add earthy, herbal tones. The onion, carrots, and celery in the cavity not only add flavor but also keep the meat moist. Finally, chicken broth in the roasting pan acts as a basting liquid, ensuring the turkey remains juicy.

Tips & Tricks

  • If the turkey skin is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil during roasting.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking.
  • Let the butter sit at room temperature for a bit before mixing to make it easier to handle.

Serving Suggestions

This turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. A simple arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly. If you’re feeling ambitious, a cranberry sauce made with orange zest ties everything together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use about a third of the amount since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
What if I don't have a roasting rack?
You can improvise with a few thick slices of onion or a bed of additional carrots and celery to lift the turkey off the pan.

Herb-Infused Citrus Turkey Roast Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F. You want it nice and warm when the turkey goes in. Now, grab a small bowl and mix together the butter, lemon zest, orange zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, along with a good pinch of salt and pepper. This is your flavor-packed butter mixture.

Next, pat your turkey dry with some paper towels. This helps the butter stick and the skin to crisp up. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and legs using your fingers, then slide in the butter mixture under the skin. Rub any remaining mixture over the top of the turkey. This ensures every bite is flavorful.

Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the lemon and orange halves, along with the onion, carrots, and celery. They’ll slowly release their flavors as the turkey roasts. Place your turkey on a roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan, and pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. This setup helps catch drippings and keeps the bird moist.

Pop your turkey into the preheated oven and let it roast. Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices. This step is key to a beautiful, golden skin and juicy meat. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, which will take around 3.5 to 4 hours.

Once done, let your turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, making each slice juicy and tender.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the freshness of citrus with aromatic herbs for a unique flavor.
  • Easy-to-follow instructions make it accessible for all skill levels.
  • Perfect for impressing guests at festive gatherings.

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 lemons, zested and juiced
1 orange, zested and juiced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 cups chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix butter, lemon zest, orange zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Pat turkey dry and rub butter mixture under the skin and over the turkey.
4. Stuff turkey cavity with lemon and orange halves, onion, carrots, and celery.
5. Place turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
6. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
7. Roast turkey for about 3.5 to 4 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Let turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.

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