Lemon Glazed Turkey

Cooking a whole turkey is one of the most delightful experiences in the culinary world, especially during festive occasions like Thanksgiving or family gatherings. The tantalizing aroma of a turkey roasting in the oven is enough to bring everyone to the kitchen, eager to share in the anticipation of a delicious meal. This year, consider elevating the traditional turkey with a unique twist that combines the bright and zesty flavors of lemon with aromatic herbs. The Lemon Zest Turkey Delight is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms a classic dish into something refreshing and extraordinary.

Elevate your holiday gatherings with the Lemon Zest Turkey Delight, a refreshing twist on traditional turkey. This recipe infuses bright lemon zest and aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme, creating a dish that's both moist and flavorful. With techniques for perfect roasting, including a luscious lemon butter glaze, your turkey will impress every guest. Serve it with colorful sides like roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes for a complete feast that brings everyone to the table.

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Ingredients

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), fully thawed

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 4 lemons)

Zest of 2 lemons

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey.

Prepare the Turkey: Thoroughly rinse the turkey under cold water and use paper towels to pat it dry completely. Don’t forget to remove the giblets and neck from the internal cavity of the turkey.

Make the Lemon Butter Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, minced garlic, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula to mix everything together until fully blended and creamy.

Apply the Lemon Glaze: Carefully slide your fingers under the skin of the turkey to create a pocket, making sure not to tear it. Spread half of the lemon butter mixture evenly beneath the skin over the breast and thighs. Take the remaining butter and rub it generously all over the exterior of the turkey.

Add Broth: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of a large roasting pan. This will help create steam, keeping the turkey moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.

Roast the Turkey: Position the turkey breast-side up on a rack in the roasting pan. Loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Roast in the preheated oven, basting the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast, which should take about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Glaze for Color: During the final 30 minutes of roasting, carefully remove the aluminum foil. This will allow the skin to brown to a beautiful golden color. Brush the turkey with any remaining lemon butter mixture every 10 minutes to enhance crispiness and flavor.

Rest the Turkey: Once the turkey is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute for a more succulent serving.

Serve: For a beautiful presentation, garnish the turkey with fresh parsley and arrange lemon wedges on the side. Slice the turkey and serve it alongside your favorite side dishes to enjoy a delightful feast.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 4 hours | Serves 10-12