Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

Nothing says “holiday welcome” quite like a golden, crackling-skinned turkey coming out of the oven. The aroma of butter, herbs, and roasted garlic drifting through the house makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?” This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey is my tried‑and‑true way to get that show‑stopping centerpiece without babysitting the oven all day.

When I first simplified my turkey routine, I promised myself two things: juicy meat and stress‑free timing. This method delivers both. With a simple herb butter, a few citrus and onion wedges, and a splash of broth in the pan, you get tender meat, crisp skin, and plenty of drippings for gravy. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by roasting a whole bird, this is the year that changes.

What Makes This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey So Simple?

I love a holiday recipe that feels impressive but doesn’t require restaurant‑level skills. This turkey uses basic ingredients, a straightforward roasting temperature, and a reliable time‑per‑pound guideline, so you’re never guessing when dinner will be ready.

There’s no complicated brine, no special equipment beyond a roasting pan and thermometer, and no fussy basting schedule. A quick herb butter rub, a little aromatics in the cavity, and the oven does the rest while you focus on sides, dessert, or just enjoying your guests.

Ingredients for the Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

Before we dive into the full ingredient list with measurements in the printable recipe card, I want to walk through why each component matters. Understanding the “why” behind the ingredients makes it easier to tweak the turkey to your own taste.

Whole turkey – The star of the show. I like a 10–14 pound bird for most family gatherings; it cooks evenly and doesn’t monopolize the oven all day.

Unsalted butter – Softened butter is what helps the skin brown and turn beautifully crisp while keeping the meat moist. Rubbing it under the skin is my favorite insurance policy against dry breast meat.

Olive oil – A drizzle of oil blended with the butter raises the smoke point slightly and adds flavor, so the skin can get extra golden without burning.

Kosher salt and black pepper – These basics wake up the natural flavor of the turkey. Salt seasons the meat all the way through, while pepper adds a gentle warmth.

Garlic and onion powder – Using the powdered versions in the rub keeps the seasoning even, so you get savory flavor in every bite without raw bits of garlic burning on the surface.

Thyme, rosemary, and sage – Classic Thanksgiving herbs that bring that cozy, woodsy aroma we all expect from a holiday turkey. You can use dried or fresh, depending on what you have.

Onion wedges – Tucking onion into the cavity perfumes the turkey from the inside out and adds sweetness to the pan drippings.

Lemon wedges – A little citrus brightens the richness of the meat and butter, keeping the turkey from tasting heavy.

Garlic cloves – Whole, smashed cloves in the cavity infuse the bird and the drippings with mellow garlic flavor.

Chicken broth – A cup of broth in the bottom of the pan keeps the drippings from scorching and gives you a flavorful base for easy gravy.

How To Make the Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

Once everything is prepped, the rest is mostly hands‑off roasting time. I like to start the turkey a few hours before guests arrive so it has time to rest before carving.

Step 1: Prep the Turkey

If your turkey was frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed in the refrigerator. Remove it from the packaging, take out the neck and giblets from the cavities, and pat the turkey very dry with paper towels, inside and out. Dry skin equals crisp skin.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage until you have a thick, fragrant paste. This is what will season the turkey and help it brown.

Step 3: Loosen the Skin and Season

Carefully slide your fingers under the skin over the breast and upper thighs to create pockets, being gentle so you don’t tear it. Rub about half of the herb butter under the skin, spreading it as evenly as you can. Massage the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey and inside the cavity.

Step 4: Add Aromatics and Truss

Stuff the cavity loosely with the onion wedges, lemon wedges, and garlic cloves. Cross the legs and tie them with kitchen twine, then tuck the wing tips underneath the bird so they don’t burn.

Step 5: Set Up the Roasting Pan

Place the turkey breast‑side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan; it will keep the drippings from burning and become the base for gravy later. Slide the pan onto the lower third rack of a preheated 325°F (165°C) oven.

Step 6: Roast to Golden Perfection

Roast the turkey for about 13–15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with the pan juices if you’d like. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) reaches 165°F on an instant‑read thermometer. The skin should be a deep golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Carve

Transfer the turkey to a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for at least 20–30 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute so every slice stays moist. Carve the turkey into slices and serve on a warm platter with fresh herbs and lemon, if you like.

Serving and Storing Your Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

I like to serve this turkey on a big platter surrounded by extra lemon wedges and a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary so it looks as good as it tastes. Don’t forget to spoon a little of those pan juices—or your favorite gravy—over the slices right before serving.

Leftover turkey keeps beautifully. Store cooled meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it (well wrapped) for up to 3 months. I love using leftovers for sandwiches, turkey salad, quick soups, and even breakfast hash the next morning.

What to Serve With Easy Thanksgiving Turkey?

Classic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the ultimate partner for roasted turkey, especially when they’re swimming in gravy made from those flavorful drippings.

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

When I want something a little more indulgent than mash, I reach for ultra‑cheesy au gratin potatoes with tender layers of thinly sliced spuds and a bubbly top.

Creamy Cranberry Salad

A cool, creamy cranberry side adds brightness and a touch of sweetness that balances the savory turkey and rich sides.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

If you’re feeding a crowd of potato lovers, scalloped potatoes with plenty of melty cheese are a guaranteed hit alongside slices of turkey.

The Best Lion House Dinner Rolls

Soft, pull‑apart dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up gravy and building those legendary leftover turkey sandwiches.

Want More Holiday Turkey Dinner Ideas?

If roasting a turkey has you excited for more cozy holiday cooking, you’ll love these other comforting dishes from the blog:

Try my creamy cranberry salad for a cool, tangy side that feels right at home on the Thanksgiving table.
Serve easy cheesy scalloped potatoes when you want an extra‑comforting, cheesy baked side with crisp edges and a creamy center.
Add a basket of Lion House dinner rolls so everyone can swipe up every last drop of gravy and make mini turkey sliders later.
Use your leftovers in a warm, nourishing bowl of turkey vegetable soup for the easiest next‑day dinner.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this Easy Thanksgiving Turkey to your favorite holiday or Sunday dinner Pinterest board so you can find it fast when it’s time to plan your menu again.

If you give it your own twist—maybe a smoky paprika rub, extra garlic, or a splash of white wine in the pan—I’d love to hear how it turned out. Share your questions, tweaks, and turkey victories in the comments so we can swap ideas.

Need more inspiration beyond turkey night? Explore my daily kitchen creations from Savor Queen on Pinterest and discover even more cozy main dishes, desserts, and easy sides to love.Nothing says “holiday welcome” quite like a golden, crackling-skinned turkey coming out of the oven. The aroma of butter, herbs, and roasted garlic drifting through the house makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “Is it ready yet?” This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey is my tried‑and‑true way to get that show‑stopping centerpiece without babysitting the oven all day.