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Juicy Roast Turkey

Juicy roast turkey is dry-brined, coated with fresh herb butter, and roasted until the breast and thigh reach 165°F. The result is tender turkey with golden skin and a fragrant onion and lemon-filled cavity.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 23 minutes
Dry brining and resting 12 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 16 hours 13 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 turkey 12- to 14-pound, whole, thawed
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp thyme fresh, chopped
  • 1 tbsp rosemary fresh, chopped
  • 1 yellow onion medium, quartered
  • 1 lemon quartered
  • 1 cup water

Equipment

  • 1 16x13-inch roasting pan

Method
 

  1. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey.
  2. Pat the turkey dry and place it breast-side up on a rack in a 16x13-inch roasting pan.
  3. Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the turkey, including inside the cavity.
  4. Refrigerate the turkey uncovered for 12 to 24 hours.
  5. Heat the oven to 325°F.
  6. Stir together the softened butter, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
  7. Rub half the herb butter under the skin over the breast and thighs.
  8. Rub the rest of the herb butter over the outside of the turkey.
  9. Put the onion and lemon in the cavity, tuck the wing tips under the bird, and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  10. Pour the water into the roasting pan.
  11. Roast for 3 to 3 3/4 hours, until a thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and inner thigh reads 165°F without touching bone.
  12. Tent the turkey loosely with foil if it browns too quickly.
  13. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil.
  14. Let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

For the most even seasoning, salt the turkey as early as possible within the 12 to 24 hour refrigeration window. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days or freeze them; unsalted dairy-free butter can be used as a dairy-free swap.