The Best Thanksgiving Turkey

User Reviews

5.0

123 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    1 d

  • Additional Time

    7 d

  • Total Time

    8 d

  • Servings

    16 servings

  • Calories

    164 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

The Best Thanksgiving Turkey

Hands-down the best Turkey for the holidays! Tender, juicy, flavorful results every time!

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Ingredients

Servings

Turkey & Brine

  • 1 turkey no larger than 12-14 pounds
  • 1 gallon chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
  • ½ cup brown or white sugar
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 5-6 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 tablespoon dehydrated onion
  • 1 thyme, fresh large sprig
  • 1 sage, fresh large sprig
  • 1 rosemary, fresh large sprig
  • 1 handful parsley, fresh
  • 8 cups cold water
  • 8 cups ice

Herb Butter

  • ¾ cup salted butter divided
  • 1 tablespoon sage, fresh chopped

Roasting

  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2-3 cloves garlic
  • 1 apple chopped in half
  • 1-2 small onions chopped in half
  • 4 stalks celery cut into thirds
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Instructions

  1. Defrost: About a week before you begin brining your turkey, place it in the refrigerator to defrost.
  2. Brine: The day before you roast your turkey, combine the chicken broth and the remaining brine ingredients (through the parsley) in a very large stockpot. Bring to a boil and then remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
  3. Remove the packaging from the turkey. Remove the neck and giblets (be sure to check both the body and neck cavities) and reserve for later use if desired. Rinse the turkey in cool water and then place it in the 5-gallon bucket. Add the cold water and the ice cubes, then add the brine mixture. Stir to combine. Cover with the lid and then place in a cold place for up to 24 hours.
  4. Prepare to roast: When you're ready to roast your turkey, preheat the oven according to the directions on the roasting bag packaging (usually 350℉). Soften ½ cup butter and mix it with 1 tablespoon fresh sage, set aside.
  5. Remove from brine: Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it in cool water, and place in the roasting pan. Use your hands to loosen the skin over the breast. Spread handfuls of the sage butter between the breast and the skin, rubbing any excess over the outside of the skin.
  6. Add flavor: In a blender, combine ½ cup chicken broth, 2-3 cloves garlic, and ¼ cup melted butter until completely smooth. Use the flavor injector to inject the mixture all over the turkey. Slip any remaining rosemary and thyme sprigs under the skin.
  7. Stuff: Stuff the apple, onion, and celery into the cavity of the turkey. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast and then place the turkey into the roasting bag and roast until the thermometer registers 165 according to the roasting bag directions. When you've reached 165, remove the turkey from the oven and cut the bag away from the turkey. Allow it to stand for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the turkey juice.
  8. Cool & Slice: When you've reached 165℉, remove the turkey from the oven and cut the bag away from the turkey. Allow it to stand for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the turkey juice.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 164kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 10g (20%) Fat 12g (18%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 0.3g Cholesterol 58mg (19%) Sodium 8099mg (337%) Potassium 222mg (6%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 350IU (7%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 42mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 164 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 164kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 10g 20%
Fat 12g 18%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 58mg 19%
Sodium 8099mg 337%
Potassium 222mg 5%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 350IU 7%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 42mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

123 reviews
Excellent

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