Thanksgiving is synonymous with turkey, and while it’s the centerpiece of the feast, cooking a turkey can feel like a daunting task. Fear not! This guide, inspired by the beloved Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, will walk you through creating a roasted Thanksgiving turkey that is not only incredibly easy but also guaranteed to be juicy, flavorful, and beautifully browned. This herb butter roasted turkey recipe is a tried-and-true method that will impress your family and guests without any stress.
A beautifully roasted Thanksgiving turkey, golden brown and ready to be carved, showcasing the Pioneer Woman inspired herb butter recipe.
This Pioneer Woman turkey recipe stands out because of its slow cooking method combined with a flavorful herb butter rub. The slow roasting ensures even cooking and maximum juiciness, while the herb butter infuses the turkey with delicious savory notes and creates a crispy, golden-brown skin. Say goodbye to dry turkey forever with this foolproof recipe!
Pioneer Woman Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe
This recipe adapts the Pioneer Woman’s approach to turkey, making it simple enough for any home cook to master. It focuses on maximizing flavor and moisture with minimal fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 20 lb Turkey, thawed completely
- 1 Orange, quartered
- 1 Stick (1/2 cup) Butter, softened
- 2 sprigs Rosemary, leaves stripped and minced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pioneer Woman Inspired Turkey:
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Turkey: Preheat your oven to a low 275°F (135°C). This low temperature is key to the slow roasting method that makes this Pioneer Woman turkey so juicy. Pat the thawed turkey thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan, breast side up. Cross the legs and tie them together with kitchen twine to help the turkey cook evenly and maintain a nice shape.
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Initial Slow Roast: Cover the entire roasting pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring it’s tucked underneath the pan to create a sealed environment. Roast the turkey in this covered state for approximately 10 minutes per pound. For a 20-pound turkey, this initial stage will be around 3 1/2 hours. This slow, covered roasting allows the turkey to cook gently and retain moisture.
A turkey placed on a roasting rack in a pan, ready for the first stage of slow roasting in the oven, a crucial step in the Pioneer Woman’s method.
- Prepare Herb Butter: While the turkey is in the oven for its first roast, prepare the herb butter. Using a vegetable peeler, shave off thick slices of orange peel from the quartered orange and then slice these peels very thinly. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced rosemary leaves, thinly sliced orange peel, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, creating a fragrant herb butter rub.
Close-up shot of the herb butter mixture being prepared in a bowl, showcasing the rosemary, orange peel, and softened butter, key ingredients for the Pioneer Woman’s flavorful turkey.
- Apply Herb Butter and Increase Heat: After the initial slow roasting stage, carefully remove the turkey from the oven. Remove and discard the aluminum foil. At this point, the turkey will still look pale. Generously smear the prepared herb butter mixture all over the turkey skin. Make sure to get into all the crevices and ensure the entire surface is coated with the flavorful butter.
Hands smearing the herb butter mixture all over the turkey skin, ensuring even coverage to maximize flavor and create a crispy skin, a vital step in replicating the Pioneer Woman’s recipe.
- Final Roasting Stage: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Return the turkey to the oven for the final roasting stage. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes. Continue roasting until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165-168°F (74-76°C). For a 20-pound turkey, this second stage will take approximately 2 1/2 more hours.
Turkey roasting in the oven, uncovered and browning beautifully after the herb butter application, nearing the final stage of cooking as per the Pioneer Woman’s instructions.
- Rest, Carve, and Serve: Once the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature, remove it from the oven. Let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. After resting, carve your perfectly cooked Pioneer Woman inspired roasted Thanksgiving turkey and serve!
A perfectly carved and plated Thanksgiving turkey, ready to be served, showcasing the juicy meat and golden-brown skin achieved with the Pioneer Woman’s cooking method.
Recipe Notes:
- Turkey Size Adjustment: While this recipe is written for a 20-pound turkey, you can easily adjust it for a smaller or larger bird. The key is to maintain the cooking time of 10 minutes per pound for the initial slow roasting stage. Adjust the final roasting time based on internal temperature, not just time.
- Brined Turkey: If you have brined your turkey, remember to rinse it thoroughly under cold water before starting this recipe. Soaking a brined turkey in fresh cold water for 15-20 minutes can help remove excess saltiness if needed.
- Internal Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165-168°F in the thigh.
- Flavor Enhancements: For extra flavor, you can add aromatics like onions, celery, and carrots to the bottom of the roasting pan.
This Pioneer Woman inspired cooking turkey recipe is your ticket to a stress-free and delicious Thanksgiving centerpiece. Enjoy the compliments as you serve up a perfectly roasted, juicy, and flavorful turkey!
