Lemon-Herb Roasted Turkey

Name: Lemon-Herb Roasted Turkey
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Yield: 14-16 servings.
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

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

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

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.
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.
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. Freeze option: Freeze cooled turkey and gravy in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a covered skillet, gently stirring and adding a little broth or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts

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

Originally published as Lemon Herb Roasted Turkey in Simple & Delicious November/December 2008

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Rmoney

Nov 30, 2015

We made this for Thanksgiving 2015 with an organic 16 lb bird from Costco. Hands down, the best turkey we have ever had. We plan to use this time and time again.
cooknfor9

Nov 26, 2014

This recipe is definitely a keeper. I used it last year and my entire family LOVED it!! It was so moist and flavorful!!. I will be making it again this year!
Sheryl76

Nov 20, 2013

Good
Grammy B

May 6, 2012

Yes, by all means try roasting turkey this way!!! I added celery leaves and the tough outer stalks to fhe other ingredients in the cavity and used a fresh turkey seasoning packet from the grocery store containing a few sprigs of thyme, rosemary and sage.I have also tried roasting the turkey breast side down on a rack (no oven bag) with great results (may need to increase roasting time). Lemon is the secret to the wonderful flavor.
jenilovesdaisies

Nov 17, 2011

This was really easy and turned out perfectly. I added some fresh rosemary to the thyme since I had it on hand. Delicious!
Katy789

Oct 25, 2011

I made this turkey for my family and everyone raved on the flavors. This recipe is a keeper.
gcrjwilliams

Oct 8, 2011

The best turkey ever. The only one I'll make from now on. Extremely moist and flavorful
rbarton

Nov 26, 2010

I would make this again and have - the last two Thanksgivings. It is excellent with the slight lemon flavor peeking through each slice.
pilylons

Nov 24, 2009

I would give this 5 stars
illiaki

Dec 3, 2008

Oh, WOW! Made this recipe for Thanksgiving this year and everyone just raved. The flavors of the lemon, garlic, onion and fresh herbs really come through - I wasn't sure they would. This recipe went right into the 'family favorites' file!!!