Thanksgiving is synonymous with turkey, and while it might seem daunting, crafting the perfect centerpiece for your holiday meal is easier than you think. This no-fuss roasted Thanksgiving turkey recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, is your secret weapon for a juicy, flavorful, and beautifully browned bird that will impress all your guests. Forget complicated techniques – this recipe focuses on simplicity and deliciousness, using a slow cook method and a flavorful herb butter rub to guarantee a mouthwatering turkey every time.
Pioneer Woman Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe: A beautifully roasted turkey, golden brown and ready to be carved.
This Pioneer Woman Turkey recipe is truly a game-changer. The magic lies in the combination of slow roasting and the herb butter. The slow cooking process ensures the turkey remains incredibly moist, while the herb butter, infused with rosemary and orange, creates a crispy, flavorful skin that’s simply irresistible. This roasted Thanksgiving turkey will become your go-to recipe, simplifying your holiday cooking and delivering a show-stopping main course.
Pioneer Woman Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
This recipe is adapted from the Pioneer Woman and makes a truly memorable Thanksgiving turkey.
Ingredients
- 1 20 lb turkey, fully thawed
- 1 orange
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Cooking Instructions
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Preheat & Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to a low 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the thawed turkey thoroughly dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan, positioning it breast side up. Cross the turkey legs and tie them together securely with kitchen twine.
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Initial Roast: Cover the entire roasting pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring it’s tucked underneath the pan to seal in moisture. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes per pound. For a 20-pound turkey, this initial roasting stage will be around 3 1/2 hours.
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Prepare Herb Butter: While the turkey roasts, prepare the flavorful herb butter. Using a vegetable peeler, carefully shave thick slices of orange peel, and then slice these peels into very thin strips. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced rosemary, thinly sliced orange peel, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Preparing Herb Butter for Pioneer Woman Turkey Recipe: Sliced orange peel and rosemary are shown, ready to be mixed with softened butter. -
Butter the Turkey: After the initial roasting time, carefully remove the turkey from the oven and remove the aluminum foil. The turkey will still appear pale at this stage. Generously smear the prepared herb butter mixture all over the turkey skin, ensuring every crevice and surface is completely covered.
Butter being smeared on the turkey: Herb butter is generously applied to the turkey skin, ensuring complete coverage for flavor and browning. -
Final Roast & Baste: Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Return the buttered turkey to the oven for the final roasting stage. Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes to promote even browning and moisture.
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Check for Doneness: Continue roasting until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 to 168 degrees Fahrenheit. This final roasting stage will take approximately 2 1/2 more hours for a 20-pound turkey. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest before carving.
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Carve and Serve: Allow the roasted Thanksgiving turkey to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey. Carve and serve your perfectly roasted Pioneer Woman turkey and enjoy the compliments!
Carved Pioneer Woman Thanksgiving Turkey: A beautifully carved turkey, showcasing juicy white and dark meat, ready to be served.
Recipe Notes
- Brining: If you have brined your turkey, ensure you rinse it thoroughly under cold water before beginning the recipe. For an extra step to remove saltiness, submerge the brined turkey in a sink filled with fresh cold water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Smaller Turkey: The original recipe is for a 20lb turkey, but you can easily adapt it for a smaller bird. For a smaller turkey, like a 12lb one, simply adjust the initial cooking time to 10 minutes per pound and monitor the internal temperature closely during the final roasting stage.
- Serving Suggestion: For an elegant presentation, place the roasted turkey on a decorative platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and orange slices. Stuffing can be placed inside the turkey cavity or served alongside.
This Pioneer Woman roasted Thanksgiving turkey recipe is your ticket to a stress-free and incredibly delicious holiday meal. Enjoy the process and the wonderful flavors of this classic dish!
