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Thanksgiving is a time for bringing family together, and there’s nothing quite like the magic of a perfectly roasted thanksgiving turkey to make the occasion special. To achieve a juicy and tender turkey, you need a solid game plan. Luckily, this recipe is simple yet powerful in ensuring your turkey turns out insanely flavorful and moist.

Start by planning ahead: buy a fresh turkey and brine it overnight with orange wedges and aromatics. This step is crucial for infusing the bird with incredible flavor and maintaining its moisture. When it’s time to cook, keep it simple—use champagne in the broth and make sure to baste regularly to achieve a golden skin. With these tips and the right approach, you’ll ensure your turkey is a beloved centerpiece.

Even if cooking a large turkey intimidates you, following these easy tips will make the process straightforward. Remember, cooking is about enjoying the moment with your loved ones, and with this recipe, you’ll surely impress your family and friends. Be sure to check the tips below to fine-tune your approach and achieve the best results.

How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey

Cooking a Thanksgiving turkey might seem like a daunting task, but with this full and foolproof guide, you’ll find it’s actually quite easy. Start by preparing your herb mixture in a small bowl—combine parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme with a touch of lemon-pepper and salt. Rub this mixture all over the bird and inside the cavity. Next, stuff the turkey with celery, orange, onion, and carrot for added flavor.

Prepare your roasting pan by lining it with foil and making sure it’s long enough to wrap the turkey. Place the turkey in the pan, pour Champagne and broth over it, and make sure to get some inside the cavity. Place the pan in a preheated oven and roast until the juices run clear. Uncover the turkey to let the skin turn golden and brown. Keep an eye on it to ensure it stays tender and moist.

Even if it’s your first time cooking a whole turkey, this recipe is designed to be stress-free and impress your family and guests. There’s no need for expensive tools or complicated techniques—just follow these brief steps and enjoy a moist, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday dinner.

How Long to Thaw a Turkey

The safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator. Allow approximately 24 hours for every 5 pounds of meat. For example, a 15-pound frozen turkey will take about three days to completely defrost in the fridge. One biggest mistake people make is buying the turkey day before Thanksgiving and not giving it enough time to thaw properly. To avoid this, buy your turkey at least a week before the big day and let it defrost for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. This way, you’ll ensure the turkey is ready to cook and impress your guests.

How to Season a Turkey

To make your Thanksgiving turkey irresistible and juicy, you need to season it inside and out. Start by patting the turkey dry with paper towels. For a herbaceous seasoning, mix dried parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme with lemon-pepper and kosher salt. Rub this spice blend all over the turkey, including underneath the skin on the wings and legs. Also, season the cavity for added flavor.

For extra moist and juicy meat, you might try brining the turkey. Use a wet solution of Champagne and chicken broth or a dry-brine with cracked black pepper. This will keep the turkey moist and flavorful throughout roasting. Additionally, adding a compound butter with orange peel or a bold Cajun kick can boost the flavor. Make sure your turkey is well-seasoned for a golden and delicious holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons ground dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons rubbed dried sage
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 (15 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
• 1 medium orange, cut into 8 wedges
• 1 medium onion, chopped into large pieces
• 1 medium carrot, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle champagne
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth

How Long to Cook a Turkey

Ready for good news? Because we didn’t stuff the turkey, it will cook about 30 minutes faster. On average, plan for about 15 minutes per pound of turkey. But remember the BEST gauge is the temperature. You want to know how long to cook a turkey. But here’s a guideline:

• For a 10 to 14 pound turkey: 2 ½ hrs to 3 ½ hrs
• For a 14 to 18 pound turkey: 3 ½ hrs to 4 ½ hrs
• For a 18 to 22 pound turkey: 4 ½ hrs to 5 ½ hrs

Keep an eye on your turkey when it’s about 75% done. Then, check the temperature every 10 minutes. Remember that ovens can cook slightly hotter or cooler. If you notice the skin browning too quickly, you can always place aluminum foil on top.