Herb Butter Roasted Turkey

Looking for the ultimate showstopper for your holiday table? This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey is absolutely legendary—a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds! Imagine succulent, tender turkey meat infused with fragrant herbs and rich, creamy butter, all wrapped up in perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the decadent herb butter, bursts of fresh flavor, and a foolproof roasting method that delivers juicy results every time. Plus, with just a bit of prep, the oven does the heavy lifting—leaving you maximum time to enjoy friends and family.

Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, this is your new can't-miss holiday centerpiece. It's a family favorite in my kitchen, passed down from countless celebrations!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Guaranteed moist and juicy turkey (never dry!) every single time
• Bursting with fresh, aromatic herbs and buttery richness
• Easy-to-follow, stress-free method for even first-time turkey roasters
• Picture-perfect golden skin that's crisp and flavorful
• Ideal for holidays, special dinners, or whenever you want to impress

Key Ingredients for Herb Butter Roasted Turkey

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Whole Turkey

The star of the show! Look for a fresh or completely thawed turkey (about 12-14 pounds for 8 servings). Pat it dry thoroughly to help the skin brown and crisp nicely. If brining, do so a day ahead for extra flavor, but the herb butter alone truly works wonders. You can go a bit smaller or larger with the bird—just adjust roasting times as needed.

Unsalted Butter

Butter is the magic behind this turkey’s moist texture and golden color. Softened butter makes it easy to mix in herbs and spread under (and over) the turkey skin. You can swap for olive oil if dairy-free, but butter adds unbeatable richness and helps the skin turn a gorgeous brown.

Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme)

Aromatic herbs infuse every bite with bright, earthy flavor. Use a mix of parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme for best results—fresh is best, but dried will work in a pinch (use half the amount). Change up the blend to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Garlic

Garlic adds an irresistible savoriness. Mince it finely so it spreads evenly through the butter. If you're sensitive to raw garlic, you can use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.

Lemon

Tucking lemon inside the turkey cavity gives subtle citrus notes that keep the flavor lively and balanced. You can use oranges in a pinch, or skip it if you’re looking for a purely savory result.

Onion

An onion, quartered and stuffed inside the cavity, helps to keep the turkey juicy while lending even more depth of flavor. If preferred, shallots are a gentler alternative.

Instructions for Herb Butter Roasted Turkey

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Turkey

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove giblets and neck from the turkey, then pat the turkey dry—inside and out—with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin!

Make the Herb Butter

In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.

Season and Butter the Turkey

Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast using your fingers—gently, so you don't tear it. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter mixture under the skin, directly onto the breast meat. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey for maximum flavor and browning.

Stuff and Arrange

Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and onion quarters. Scatter carrots and celery pieces in the bottom of a large roasting pan (these will flavor your drippings and keep the turkey elevated). Place the turkey breast side up on a rack or directly on the veggies. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine, if you like. Drizzle a little olive oil over the skin and sprinkle on the remaining salt and pepper.

Roast the Turkey

Pour chicken broth into the pan. Roast, uncovered, for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices. Check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh—it should read 165°F (74°C). If the skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

Rest and Serve

Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest, tented with foil, for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for the juiciest, most tender meat.

Recipe Variations

Classic Garlic Butter Turkey

Swap out some or all of the fresh herbs for extra garlic and a pinch of smoked paprika. This gives your turkey a deep, savory punch with a hint of smokiness—perfect for garlic lovers!

Citrus & Herb Turkey

Try adding orange slices along with the lemon in the cavity, and toss a little fresh orange zest into the butter. The sweet-tart citrus works beautifully with the herbs and brings a lovely brightness.

Make It Dairy-Free

Go dairy-free by substituting olive oil or a vegan buttery spread for the butter. While the flavor will be a bit milder, you'll still get juicy meat and crisp skin.

Gluten-Free Option

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! Just double-check your broth and seasonings to make sure they’re certified gluten-free.

Spicy Herb Turkey

Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to your herb butter for subtle heat. Or, for a smoky kick, a dab of chipotle powder does the trick without overwhelming the classic flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Herb Butter Roasted Turkey with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce. For added color, pair with sautéed green beans or a fresh chopped salad. Garnish the platter with extra sprigs of herbs and lemon wedges for a festive, elegant presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until just heated through. Turkey can also be frozen (carved off the bone) for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herb Butter Roasted Turkey (FAQ)

Q: How far in advance can I prep the herb butter turkey?
A: You can prep your herb butter and rub it under the skin up to one day ahead—simply refrigerate the turkey uncovered for extra-crisp skin.

Q: Should I brine my turkey before roasting?
A: Brining is optional for this recipe since the herb butter provides plenty of flavor and moisture, but a basic brine can give an extra juicy result if you have time.

Q: How do I keep the turkey breast from drying out?
A: Spreading herb butter under the skin and basting as the turkey roasts ensures a moist, tender breast every time. Tenting with foil if browning too quickly also helps retain moisture.

So there you have it—the ultimate Herb Butter Roasted Turkey! This recipe is a true holiday hero, guaranteed to be the centerpiece of your table. Give it a try for your next feast, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating to share how it turned out!