Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 4 hours
🍽 Serves: 12
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There's something magical about a perfectly roasted turkey, especially when it's infused with fresh herbs and a tangy citrus glaze. This Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze is a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for festive gatherings or any special occasion.

Ingredients for Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze

Turkey: The star of the show, a 12-14 lbs whole turkey, provides the perfect canvas for our herb and citrus flavors. Olive oil helps keep the meat moist and helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Salt and black pepper enhance the turkey's natural flavors while also seasoning it deeply. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage bring an aromatic touch that complements the turkey wonderfully. Garlic adds a savory kick, balancing the earthy notes of the herbs.

Oranges and lemons provide both zest and juice, which are key to our bright, flavorful glaze. Honey adds sweetness and helps create that lovely caramelized finish on the skin. Finally, a bit of chicken broth rounds out the glaze with a savory depth.

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the turkey sit at room temperature for about an hour before roasting. This helps it cook more evenly.
  • Use a roasting rack to elevate the turkey; this promotes even cooking and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
  • If the skin starts browning too early, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

This turkey pairs wonderfully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. For a fresh twist, consider a citrus and arugula salad to echo the flavors of the glaze. A light, crisp white wine or a sparkling apple cider complements the meal beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs, but use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What if I don't have a roasting rack?
You can use a makeshift rack by placing thick slices of onion or carrots at the bottom of the pan to elevate the turkey.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus Glaze Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This low-and-slow method ensures a juicy bird. Next, mix together your olive oil, salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic in a bowl to create the herb rub. Make sure everything is well-combined.

Pat your turkey dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crisp skin. Gently loosen the skin over the breasts with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Rub the herb mixture generously under the skin and all over the turkey. This step infuses the meat with flavor from the inside out.

Now, for the glaze: combine the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce until slightly thickened. This will take about 10-15 minutes.

Place your turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Pop it into the oven and roast for about 3 to 3.5 hours, basting with the citrus glaze every 30 minutes. This frequent basting ensures a moist, flavorful turkey and a gorgeous golden-brown skin.

Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh – it should read 165°F (74°C). Once done, let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bird.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The combination of fresh herbs and citrus creates a flavor-packed turkey that's anything but ordinary.
  • The citrus glaze adds a beautiful shine and a sweet-tart finish to the turkey.
  • This recipe is straightforward yet impressive, making you look like a pro without the stress.
  • Perfect for holiday feasts, it’s a showstopper centerpiece that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
1/2 cup fresh thyme, chopped
1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 oranges, zested and juiced
2 lemons, zested and juiced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic to make the herb rub.
3. Pat turkey dry with paper towels and loosen the skin over the breasts. Rub the herb mixture under the skin and over the entire turkey.
4. In a saucepan, combine orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and reduce until slightly thickened to create the glaze.
5. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 3 to 3.5 hours, basting with the citrus glaze every 30 minutes.
6. Check for doneness when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Let turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing.

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