Ultimate Juicy Roast Turkey with Flavorful Gravy
Discover the secrets to the ultimate roast turkey with this melt-in-your-mouth recipe that guarantees moist, tender meat every time. Ideal for festive gatherings or family dinners, this turkey can be roasted at various temperatures, accommodating any oven setup you have. The key to its exceptional juiciness lies in the use of butter, chicken broth, and a touch of mayonnaise, which together create a flavorful crisp skin and tender interior. You can customize the flavor profile by adding beer or white wine to the broth. Best of all, this method makes perfect pan drippings for an irresistible gravy that everyone will love. Remember, internal temperature is key; always use an instant-read thermometer for best results. Let your turkey rest before serving to lock in those delicious juices. Elevate your holiday feasts with this tried-and-true recipe!
N/A
Servings
167
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh or frozen turkey (thawed) or turkey breast (thawed)
1 (5-20 lb) (Thawed)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Chicken broth
12 ounces (Can substitute with part beer or white wine)
Mayonnaise
1-2 tablespoons (For coating)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F to 325°F. If you're using a convection oven, feel free to start at 250°F for a longer roast.
2
Place the thawed turkey or turkey breast in a large disposable roasting pan.
3
In a bowl, combine the melted butter with the chicken broth (feel free to substitute with part beer or white wine).
4
Pour the butter mixture over the turkey, ensuring even coverage.
5
Take the mayonnaise and rub it generously over the exterior of the turkey, covering all surfaces.
6
Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired, enhancing the skin's flavor.
7
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 170°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer. For extra crispy skin, raise the oven temperature to 350°F during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
8
If you're using a larger turkey (18-20 lbs), roasting at 250°F may take about 4-5 hours depending on your oven's performance.
9
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes before carving. This helps maintain the moistness of the meat.
10
For a delicious gravy, pour the pan drippings into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
11
To thicken the gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water for each cup of broth/drippings (typically 2-3 tablespoons total). Stir until dissolved and add to the simmering broth, stirring continuously until thickened. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste, and add more water or broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
2.5
Carbs
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this roast turkey recipe ultimate and juicy?
The combination of melted butter, chicken broth, and mayonnaise creates a flavorful moisture barrier that ensures the meat stays tender while the skin becomes crispy.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting the turkey?
Preheat your oven to between 300°F and 325°F. If you are using a convection oven, you can start as low as 250°F.
How do I achieve extra crispy skin on the turkey?
To get extra crispy skin, raise the oven temperature to 350°F during the final 30 to 45 minutes of the cooking process.
What internal temperature should the turkey reach to be considered done?
The turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F as measured by an instant-read thermometer.
Why is mayonnaise used in this recipe?
Mayonnaise is rubbed over the exterior to help create a flavorful, crisp skin and lock in the meat's natural juices.
How long should I let the turkey rest after roasting?
Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This is essential for maintaining the moistness of the meat.
Can I substitute the chicken broth with other liquids?
Yes, you can substitute part of the chicken broth with beer or white wine to customize the flavor profile.
How do I thicken the turkey gravy?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water for every cup of pan drippings. Stir this slurry into the simmering broth until it reaches your desired thickness.
What size turkey does this recipe work for?
This recipe is versatile enough for turkeys ranging from 5 lbs to 20 lbs, including whole turkeys or turkey breasts.
How long does a 20 lb turkey take to roast at 250°F?
For a larger turkey (18-20 lbs), roasting at 250°F typically takes between 4 and 5 hours depending on your specific oven.
Is it necessary to thaw the turkey before cooking?
Yes, for the best and safest results, ensure your turkey or turkey breast is completely thawed before beginning the recipe.
How do I prepare the butter mixture?
Melt 1/4 cup of butter and combine it with 12 ounces of chicken broth (or your choice of wine/beer) in a bowl.
Should I season the turkey skin with anything else?
After applying the mayonnaise, you can season the skin lightly with salt and pepper to further enhance the flavor.
What type of pan should I use?
The recipe recommends using a large disposable roasting pan for easy cleanup and plenty of space for the drippings.
How much cornstarch is typically needed for the gravy?
Typically, you will use 2 to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch in total, mixed with cold water, to thicken the average amount of pan drippings.
Can I use this recipe for a holiday dinner?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed for festive gatherings like Thanksgiving or family holiday dinners.
How many calories are in a serving of this turkey?
Each serving contains approximately 167 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 12.5 grams of protein.
Are there many carbohydrates in this roast turkey?
No, this recipe is low in carbohydrates, with only 2.5 grams per serving.
What should I do if the gravy is too thick?
If your gravy becomes too thick, simply add more water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Do I need a specific type of thermometer?
An instant-read thermometer is highly recommended to accurately ensure the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 170°F.
How do I apply the butter and broth mixture?
Pour the mixture directly over the turkey in the roasting pan, ensuring that it covers the bird evenly.
What is the main role of the chicken broth in the pan?
The broth helps keep the environment moist and creates the base for the pan drippings used in the gravy.
Can I cook just a turkey breast using this method?
Absolutely, this method works perfectly for both whole turkeys and individual turkey breasts.
Is salt and pepper required?
Salt and pepper are optional but recommended to enhance the flavor of the crispy skin.
Does this recipe include instructions for gravy?
Yes, it includes a method to turn the pan drippings into a flavorful thickened gravy using cornstarch and water.
What temperature should the water be for the cornstarch slurry?
You must use cold water when mixing with cornstarch to prevent lumps from forming in the gravy.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Common tags for this dish include roast turkey, Thanksgiving, holiday cooking, moist turkey, and comfort food.
How many main ingredients are needed?
There are 4 main ingredients: turkey, butter, chicken broth, and mayonnaise, plus optional seasonings and cornstarch for gravy.