Perfect Butter Herb Roasted Turkey – Juicy & Easy 5-Step Holiday Recipe

When the holiday season arrives, nothing beats a beautifully cooked Butter Herb Roasted Turkey. Picture tender slices of juicy turkey, golden crispy skin, and the aroma of fresh herbs filling your kitchen. This roasted turkey recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Whether you’re hosting a large feast or a cozy dinner, this dish guarantees a memorable meal your guests will rave about.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a Butter Herb Roasted Turkey with maximum flavor, moisture, and that irresistible crispy skin. Even beginners will feel confident following these steps.

Why This Butter Herb Roasted Turkey Stands Out

This recipe delivers a beautiful balance of flavors. The herb butter melts into every layer of the turkey, seasoning it from the inside out while keeping it incredibly moist. The combination of rosemary, thyme, and garlic creates an aroma that fills your kitchen, while the butter ensures a perfectly crispy skin turkey with a rich golden color.

Flavor Profile

• Buttery and rich

• Herb-infused with classic holiday flavors

• Juicy and tender thanks to slow roasting

• Crispy on the outside, perfectly caramelized

It’s everything a holiday turkey should be—comforting, aromatic, and delicious.

Ingredients for Butter Herb Roasted Turkey

Turkey

• • 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed

• • Salt and pepper, to taste

• • 1 onion, quartered

• • 1 lemon, halved

• • 1 garlic bulb, halved

• • 3 celery stalks

• • 3 carrots, cut into large pieces

• • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for the roasting pan)

Herb Butter

• • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened

• • 6 garlic cloves, minced

• • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• • 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• • 1 tsp paprika

• • Zest of 1 lemon

• • Salt & black pepper to taste

How to Make the Perfect Herb Butter Turkey (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place the oven rack on the lower third of the oven—this helps the turkey cook evenly.

Remove the turkey giblets, pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels, and season the cavity with salt and pepper.

2. Season the Cavity

Stuff the inside with:

• • Onion

• • Lemon

• • Garlic

• • Some fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs (optional)

This adds aroma and enhances overall flavor.

3. Make the Herb Butter

In a bowl, combine softened butter with garlic, herbs, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fragrant.

4. Coat the Turkey

Gently separate the turkey skin from the breast using your fingers.
Spread a generous amount of herb butter under the skin—this step ensures the breast meat stays juicy.

Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey.

5. Arrange the Roasting Pan

Place the carrots and celery at the bottom of a large roasting pan.
Set the turkey on top, breast-side up.
Pour the chicken broth into the pan to keep the meat moist during roasting.

6. Roast

A general rule is to roast the turkey for:
13–15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C).

For a 12–14 lb turkey, this equals about 3 to 3.5 hours.

Halfway through, baste the turkey with the melted herb butter and pan juices.

7. Get That Crispy Skin

During the last 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) to achieve deeply golden, crispy skin.

If parts of the turkey start to brown too quickly, loosely tent them with foil.

8. Rest Before Carving

Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven.
Let it rest for 20–30 minutes before carving—this step keeps the juices inside the meat.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Roasted Turkey

Keeping the Turkey Juicy

• • Dry the turkey very well before adding butter—this helps prevent steaming.

• • Spread butter under the skin for maximum moisture.

• • Add broth to the roasting pan to create steam and keep the turkey tender.

Basting Tips

• • Baste every 45 minutes using a spoon or bulb baster.

• • Don’t open the oven too often—it lowers the temperature and slows cooking.

How Long to Roast

Use the 13–15 minutes per pound rule, but always check with a meat thermometer.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding bone.

Resting Time

Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes, though 30 minutes is ideal for clean slices and full flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This roasted turkey recipe pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides:

• • Creamy mashed potatoes

• • Garlic herb stuffing

• • Green bean casserole

• • Honey roasted carrots

• • Cranberry sauce

• • Soft dinner rolls

• • Turkey gravy made from pan drippings

For a lighter spread, serve with:

• • Roasted Brussels sprouts

• • Fresh garden salad

• • Lemon garlic asparagus

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers

• • Store turkey in airtight containers.

• • Refrigerate for 3–4 days.

• • Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To avoid dry turkey:

• • Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of broth and cover with foil.

• • Microwave using short intervals with a damp paper towel on top.

Leftovers make amazing sandwiches, soups, pasta dishes, and casseroles!

  

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of flavorful chicken dishes, here are some more recipes you’ll absolutely enjoy:

• Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel – a cheesy, comforting pasta dish with a kick.

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon goodness.

• Coconut Curry Chicken – a rich and flavorful curry with a hint of sweetness.

• Classic Southern Chicken Fried Chicken – crispy, golden, and utterly irresistible.

• Heart-Shaped Pancakes Recipe – a fun breakfast treat perfect for family mornings.

These recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or just when you’re craving something hearty and delicious.

 

Conclusion

A beautifully prepared Butter Herb Roasted Turkey is more than just a meal—it’s a centerpiece that brings people together. With its buttery richness, fragrant herbs, and irresistible crispy skin, this recipe delivers a holiday experience that feels both classic and memorable. Whether you’re hosting your first dinner or you’ve been cooking turkeys for years, this simple, reliable method ensures a tender, flavorful bird every time.

From festive gatherings to intimate family moments, this herb butter turkey brings warmth, comfort, and celebration to the table. Pair it with your favorite sides, savor the leftovers, and enjoy the memories made around each slice.

This roasted turkey recipe truly earns its place as a timeless holiday favorite.