Herb Butter Roasted Turkey – Juicy, Golden Thanksgiving Recipe

Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey

Approx. Time:

3 to 4 hours depending on turkey size

Servings:

8 t0 12 servings

There’s something so special about a Thanksgiving turkey roasting in the oven. It’s one of those meals that fills the whole house with warmth before you even sit down to eat. Growing up, I always loved the holidays because they brought people together — and now that I’m a mom and a chef, I get to create those same memories for my son.

Every year, he asks for one thing: “Mama, can you please make the turkey with the gravy?”
That is his dish. The one he looks forward to all month. He’ll poke his head into the kitchen a hundred times just to check if it’s ready. And honestly, that alone makes all the hours worth it.

This herb-butter roasted turkey is simple, cozy, and full of flavor. I love using fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage — finely minced and mixed into soft butter — to rub under the skin. It makes the meat juicy, fragrant, and absolutely perfect. I also place the turkey on a bed of carrots and celery and add about 2 cups of broth to the bottom of the pan. That little trick keeps the turkey moist, prevents the bottom from drying out, and gives you the most flavorful drippings for your gravy. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference.

If you want a holiday turkey that’s tender, golden, and foolproof… this is the one. And if you want the Instacart link to grab everything in one click, I’ve added it below because I know you’re busy just like me!

Let’s make a turkey your family will talk about all year. 🦃✨

Ingredients:

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For the turkey:

1 whole turkey (size of your choice)
Salt & black pepper
4–5 carrots, cut into large chunks
3–4 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
A handful of fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
2 cups chicken broth (for moisture in the pan & better gravy)

Herb Butter:

1–1½ cups softened butter
2–3 tablespoons very finely minced rosemary
2–3 tablespoons very finely minced thyme
2–3 tablespoons very finely minced sage
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Prep the pan:
In a deep roasting pan, layer carrots and celery to create a vegetable bed.
Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist and create flavorful drippings.
Make the herb butter:
In a bowl, combine softened butter with minced rosemary, thyme, and sage. Season with salt and pepper.
Prep the turkey:
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Add herb butter:
Gently loosen the skin and massage the herb butter under the skin and all over the outside.
Stuff the cavity:
Add a handful of fresh herbs into the cavity.
Roast:
Place the turkey on top of the vegetables and broth.
Roast at 350°F, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices.
Finish cooking:
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

Rest: Let the turkey rest before slicing so it stays juicy.

Estimated Nutrition

Approximate macros per serving:

Calories: ~380 per serving

Protein: ~45g

Carbs: ~3g

Fat: ~20g

Note: Macros are approximate and can vary based on turkey size and ingredients.

About the author

Why I Share These Recipes With You

“Food is how I connect with my culture, with others, and with myself. I started The Sweet Spot Done Right to help others do the same: discover new flavors, celebrate where they come from, and make something meaningful in their own kitchen.

I want to make global cooking simple, healthy, and fun for everyone.”