This easy herb butter roast turkey recipe is juicy, flavorful, and golden-brown perfection — a simple yet impressive main dish for your Thanksgiving dinner table.

This is a Simply Made Recipe provided by Lilly Ashley. Good recipes, without the paragraphs and fluff to sift through. Save the sifting for the baking!

There’s nothing quite like the golden, juicy centerpiece of a Thanksgiving table — a perfectly roasted turkey brushed with herb butter and filled with cozy holiday aromas. This easy recipe takes the stress out of cooking the big bird, delivering a tender, flavorful turkey every time. Simple steps, minimal prep, and all the traditional flavor your family loves!

🛒 Ingredients

Turkey:

1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 large onion, quartered
1 lemon, quartered
1 head garlic, halved
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) for stuffing cavity

Herb Butter:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika

Optional:

2 cups chicken or turkey broth (for basting)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove turkey giblets and pat the bird dry with paper towels.
Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Loosen the skin: Gently slide your hand under the turkey skin (over the breasts and thighs) to loosen it without tearing.
Apply herb butter: Rub half of the herb butter under the skin, directly on the meat. Rub the remaining butter over the skin and inside the cavity.
Stuff and truss: Place onion, lemon, garlic, and herbs inside the cavity. Tie legs loosely with kitchen twine.
Roast: Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Tent loosely with foil and roast about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices or broth.
Remove foil during the last 45 minutes to brown the skin.
Check temperature: Turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest before carving: Let rest 30 minutes before slicing for the juiciest results.

🥄 Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	355	—
Total Fat	18g	23%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	165mg	55%
Sodium	620mg	27%
Total Carbohydrates	1g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0g	0%
Total Sugars	0g	—
Protein	45g	90%
Vitamin A	10%	—
Vitamin C	2%	—
Calcium	2%	—
Iron	8%	—

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

💡 Simply Made Tip:

For beautifully crisp skin, make sure the turkey is completely dry before applying the butter mixture. Moisture prevents browning — a paper towel pat-down makes all the difference!