Here's an easy, reliable way to ensure a moist and flavorful turkey...simply pour the herb-seasoned chicken stock over the bird, then baste with the pan drippings while it roasts. When the turkey is done, use a bit more stock to make a quick and savory gravy.
cost per recipe: $16.76
Step 1
Remove the package of giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Tie the ends of the drumsticks together.
Step 2
Place the turkey, breast-side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush the turkey with the oil. Season the turkey as desired. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, not touching the bone.
Step 3
Stir the stock, lemon juice, basil and thyme in a large bowl. Reserve 1 3/4 cups stock mixture for the gravy. Pour the remaining stock mixture over the turkey.
Step 4
Roast at 325°F. for 3 hours or until the thermometer reads 165°F., basting occasionally with the pan drippings. Begin checking for doneness after 2 1/2 hours of the roasting time.
Step 5
Remove the turkey from the pan, cover and keep warm. Spoon off any fat and pour off all but 1 1/2 cups pan drippings.
Step 6
Stir the reserved stock mixture and the flour in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth. Add the flour mixture to the pan. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture boils and thickens, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season to taste. Serve the gravy with the turkey.
Don't count on the timing
Thanksgiving 2015 and I'm the only cook in the home. The turkey wasn't ready when it was supposed to be. Don't count on the 3 hour cook time for a 13lb turkey if you have your oven at 325. My 80 year old mother said she never follows the directions for the oven temperature (she does 350##, but I did. We pulled what little turkey appeared to be cooked enough just to continue on with our meal but it was certainly a disappointment considering all the work #and love) that was put into preparing our meal.
We’re very sorry to hear of your disappointment and appreciate you reaching out with your feedback. Please know that ovens do vary in the way they heat food and the time given is approximate, which is why we do recommend checking for doneness after 2 ½ hours of the roasting time and ensuring that the thermometer reads at least 165°F.
Check oven temperature with a thermometer
A word to the wise. I bought a new range, and couldn't figure out why stuff I baked was never done in the time it was supposed to be. I finally bought an oven thermometer, and discovered that a brand new range was way off in the oven temperature. So now, I can compensate for the difference in temp from what it's supposed to be. In some cases, the temp is right on. In others, it's lower by 20 degrees. I have not found that it's ever higher than what I set it for.
Testing rating
hmmmm. Good
Excellent!
This is a great recipe. I have been doing it for two years in a row and it has been great! Of course, getting ready to make it again this year.
Herb Roasted Turkey with Pan Gravy
Great for Thanksgiving. My first year making the Thanksgiving feast and it was the bomb. Everyone enjoyed it.
This nutritional information refers to each serving of the entire recipe and not just the products used as ingredients.
