Are you ready to transform your holiday meal from ordinary to extraordinary? Imagine serving a turkey so succulent and perfectly seasoned that your guests will be talking about it for years to come! Our ultimate free-range turkey recipe is your ticket to culinary greatness, combining professional chef techniques with simple, foolproof steps that guarantee a mouthwatering centerpiece that's crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 free range turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting a turkey evenly and thoroughly.
- Remove the free-range turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
- While the turkey is resting, prepare the seasoning mix. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, both inside and out. This helps achieve a crispy skin during roasting.
- Rub the olive oil all over the turkey, ensuring it is evenly coated. This will help the seasoning stick and promote browning.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over the entire turkey, including the cavity. Make sure to rub it in well for maximum flavor.
- Stuff the cavity of the turkey with fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage. This will infuse the meat with aromatic flavors as it cooks.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. This allows air to circulate around the turkey and helps it cook evenly.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will keep the turkey moist during cooking and can be used for basting.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. This will help you monitor the turkey's internal temperature as it cooks.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Plan for about 13-15 minutes of cooking time per pound. For a 12-14 lb turkey, this will take approximately 3 hours.
- Every 30-45 minutes, baste the turkey with the juices from the bottom of the pan. This helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.
- Check the internal temperature of the turkey after about
- 5 hours of cooking. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- After resting, carve the turkey and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious free-range turkey!
Tips
- Always use a high-quality meat thermometer to ensure precise cooking temperature.
- Let the turkey rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to promote even heat distribution.
- Pat the turkey completely dry before seasoning to achieve that irresistible crispy skin.
- Don't skip the basting step - it's crucial for maintaining moisture.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor infusion.
- Allow the turkey to rest after cooking to help the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy.
- Choose a free-range turkey for superior flavor and more ethical meat sourcing.
- Avoid opening the oven too frequently, as this can lower the temperature and increase cooking time.
- Consider brining your turkey 24 hours before cooking for extra flavor and moisture.
- Save the pan drippings to make an incredible gravy that complements your perfectly roasted turkey.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 110mg
