Lemon Herb Turkey

Total Time Prep: 30 min. Bake: 2-1/4 hours + standing
Yield 16 servings
Test Kitchen Approved
Elevate your holiday feast with this flavorful lemon herb turkey recipe. Infused with zesty citrus and fragrant thyme, this dish promises a crispy skin and tender meat that will make for a unique (and tasty!) roasted bird.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons pepper
  • 1 medium lemon, halved
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 14 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 24 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 turkey-size oven roasting bag

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, lemon zest and minced thyme. Pat turkey dry. Sprinkle salt and pepper over skin of turkey and inside cavity; brush with butter mixture. Place the lemon, onion, garlic and thyme sprigs inside cavity. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together.
  2. Place flour in oven bag and shake to coat. Place bag in a roasting pan; add turkey to bag, breast side up. Cut six 1/2-in. slits in top of bag; close bag with tie provided.
  3. Bake at 350° for 2-1/4 to 2-3/4 hours or until a thermometer reads 180°. Remove turkey to a serving platter and keep warm. Let stand for 15 minutes before carving. If desired, thicken pan drippings for gravy.

Nutrition Facts

8 ounce-weight: 525 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 230mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 64g protein.

Lemon and thyme are the predominant flavors in this golden, tender and moist turkey that has just six ingredients. It's so easy, we guarantee success! —Felicia Smith, Georgetown, Texas
Recipe Creator

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