Lemon Herb Turkey

The bright flavors of citrus and the savory flavors of herbs ensure that this lemon herb turkey recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Infused with zesty lemon and a generous amount of thyme, this recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, resulting in a turkey that boasts beautifully crisp skin and tender, juicy meat.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying your hand at roasting for the first time, this turkey recipe makes a memorable centerpiece to your table. We’ll guide you through creating a deliciously aromatic and visually stunning bird that will impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Turkey

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

• Butter: You’ll be combining a stick of butter, lemon juice, lemon zest and minced thyme to spread over the skin of the turkey.
• Lemon juice: You can purchase a bottle of lemon juice, or juice fresh lemons for added flavor.
• Lemon zest: Grate fresh lemon zest to bring the most flavor; this recipe requires just a few teaspoons, so one lemon should be enough.
• Thyme: You’ll use fresh or dried thyme, as well as a handful of fresh thyme sprigs to bring a sharp, almost minty flavor.
• Turkey: For this recipe, we recommend using a 14- to 16-pound turkey.
• Salt: Use a quality salt for the best flavor and moisture balancing.
• Pepper: Fresh ground pepper balances out the thyme and lemon, while adding depth to the garlic.
• Lemon: Use one entire lemon, cut in half, to add to the turkey cavity for added bright, citrusy flavor.
• Onion: You’ll quarter one medium onion and add it to the turkey cavity; as it cooks, it adds savory flavor.
• Garlic cloves: This recipe is heavy on garlic, requiring 14 cloves. It adds unbelievable flavor without overpowering, so don’t be scared to use this much.
• All-purpose flour: This is used to coat the oven bag; use a gluten-free flour blend if you need to avoid gluten.
• Roasting bag: Use an oven roasting bag sized for a turkey.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the turkey

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, lemon zest and minced thyme.

Pat the turkey dry using a paper towel. Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the turkey skin and inside the cavity, then brush the turkey with the lemon-butter mixture. Place the halved lemon, quartered onion, garlic cloves and thyme sprigs inside the cavity. Tuck the wings under the turkey, and tie the drumsticks together.

Step 2: Prepare the roasting bag

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Place the flour in the roasting bag, and shake to coat the insides. Place the bag in a roasting pan, then add the turkey to the bag, breast side up. Cut six 1/2-inch slits in the top of the bag, and close the bag with the tie provided.

Step 3: Roast the turkey

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Bake the turkey for 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 180°. Remove the turkey to a serving platter and keep it warm. Let it stand for 15 minutes before carving. If desired, thicken the pan drippings to make gravy.

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

Lemon Herb Turkey Variations

• Add sweetness: Balance the citrus with something sweet, adding a few tablespoons of honey to the butter mixture.
• Swap the citrus: Instead of lemon, try orange. This will change up the flavor, but an orange, garlic and thyme turkey is just as tasty in its own right.

How to Store Lemon Herb Turkey

To store any leftover turkey, allow it to cool completely, then divide it into smaller portions and place them in covered, shallow containers. Enjoy the leftovers within three to four days.

Can you freeze lemon turkey?

You can freeze lemon and herb turkey for later. To do so, allow the turkey to cool completely. Wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, and enjoy them within three to four months.

Lemon Herb Turkey Tips

Melissa Patterson for Taste of Home

What should I serve with lemon herb turkey?

Lemon and turkey may be a twist on the traditional, but that doesn’t mean you can’t serve it with classic turkey dinner sides. Some favorites include garlic and herb mashed potatoes and your favorite roasted vegetables.

Can I skip the oven bag?

The point of the oven bag is to help the turkey stay juicy and tender as it roasts. Additionally, cooking in a bag helps to save time, as it often speeds up the roasting time by about an hour. The condensation also serves as a self-baster, ensuring a flavorful, moist bird. However, if you’d prefer to skip the bag and roast on a pan with a rack, that’s totally fine. You may want to add a splash or two of lemon extract to the butter, which will give an additional boost in lemony flavor that you’d otherwise lose by skipping the bag process.

How can I enjoy lemon with turkey leftovers?

If you’re looking for some fresh ideas for how to enjoy turkey leftovers, we’ve got plenty. Making a bone broth out of the turkey carcass is a must (bonus: it freezes exceptionally well!). This way, you can make soups and stews with turkey and use fresh bone broth, or keep it as a sipping broth for its health benefits. Other ways to enjoy your leftovers include making a turkey melt, or tossing a bunch of leftovers in a pie crust and making a leftover turkey potpie.