Name: Super Moist Turkey
Yield: 9 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Onions; Lemon; Garlic; Black Pepper; Table Salt; Turkey; Butter; Thyme; Parsley; Butter; Chicken broth; Rosemary

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Super Moist Turkey

Sunday Table Verified

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Adjust a rack to the lowest position in the oven.

Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil and position a roasting rack inside of it.

Liberally season the turkey with the salt and black pepper, taking care to season the outside as well as the internal cavity. Set the turkey breast side up onto the roasting rack and tuck the wing tips underneath the body.

With clean hands, rub the butter all over the surface of the turkey, and under the breast skin.

Place the remaining butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the butter on high until melted, 30-40 seconds.

Smash the garlic cloves with the back of a knife and discard the papery skins. Cut the lemon in half.

Place the garlic, onion, lemon, and herbs in the cavity of the turkey. Pour enough chicken broth into the roasting pan for it to rise 1/2 inch up the sides of the pan.

Cut a large piece of cheesecloth, at least 14x18 inches, and submerge it in the melted butter, turning to ensure the entire cloth is moistened. Drape the soaked cheesecloth over the turkey like a blanket, leaving no part exposed. Pour any excess melted butter over the turkey.

Carefully transfer the roasting pan to the oven.

Roast the turkey on lowest rack of oven until the thickest part of the breast or leg reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, 2-3 hours, depending on its weight. Rotate the pan halfway through the cooking time. (Pro tip: Roast turkey for roughly 15 minutes per pound. Avoid placing thermometer too close to bone, which heats differently than meat, and can yield inaccurate temperature readings. To ensure this turkey comes out with a crispy skin, preview the next step.)

In the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the cheesecloth and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Continue roasting until the thickest part of the breast or leg has reached the proper temperature, and the skin is browned and crispy.

Check to see that turkey is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Allow the turkey to rest on the roasting rack for 30 minutes. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Carve as desired, and serve.

Video Tutorial

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Butter Under the Skin 🧈
Carefully loosen the turkey skin and spread softened butter mixed with minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme directly under the skin for maximum flavor penetration and moisture retention throughout cooking.
Broth-Based Basting Strategy 💧
Use the chicken broth to baste every 20-30 minutes rather than pan drippings alone, which keeps the breast meat consistently moist and creates a flavorful glaze while reducing overall cooking time.
Strategic Onion Placement 🧅
Stuff the turkey cavity with halved onions, lemon wedges, and fresh herb bundles to infuse the interior with aromatics and moisture from the inside out during roasting.
Tent and Uncover Timing 🎪
Cover the turkey with foil for the first two-thirds of cooking to trap steam and moisture, then uncover to allow skin crisping and browning in the final stage for the best texture.
Lemon Acid Brightens Richness 🍋
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into your basting liquid and over the finished turkey to cut through the richness of the butter and herbs, enhancing the overall flavor profile and perceived moistness.