Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe

This juicy, tender Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe is made with a flavorful dry brine. A zesty citrus-herb butter complements the smoky dry rub, infusing the meat with rich, balanced flavor.

Ingredients to Make Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe

Roasting a whole turkey seems to intimidate many cooks. It could be that, the sheer size is generally much larger than an everyday chicken, and if not handled properly, it can be dry. There are many different cooking techniques, wet brines and seasoning blends you can use. Each one claims to be the “secret” to the best turkey and admittedly, it can be a little overwhelming. I utilize different techniques, depending on the flavors I want to shine through, and this is my very best southern turkey recipe that features a dry rub giving it a robust flavor and crispy skin perfect for Thanksgiving.

Quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Turkey Recipe: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Turkey – One 12-14 pound turkey (thawed if frozen) giblets removed, pat dry with paper towels. Allow 1 pound of turkey per guest.
• Dry Rub Spices – I like to make my own seasoning blend for turkey. You’ll need salt, sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and freshly ground black pepper.
• Poultry Seasoning – In addition to the seasonings dry poultry seasoning boosts the flavor. You can use your favorite brand.
• Chicken Stock – Low sodium chicken stock or chicken broth for moisture.
• Onion – Onion adds flavor to the pan drippings.
• Orange Wedges and Orange Zest -Orange gives a hint of citrus to brighten the flavor.
• Garlic – I use an entire bulb of garlic to permeate the turkey. You could also add carrots and celery.
• Fresh Herbs – Classic herbs for freshness and depth of flavor. One bunch each of fresh sage, fresh rosemary and fresh thyme.
• Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter to add richness to the drippings.
• Honey – Honey gives a beautiful golden color to the skin of the turkey.

How to Make the BEST Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe

• Make the Dry Rub – In a small bowl toss together the seasonings.
• Season the Turkey – Separate the skin from the meat on the breast, Season with dry rub under the skin, on all sides and interior of turkey.
• Chill – Cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight.
• Heat Oven and Prepare the Pan – Set oven rack to lowest position and preheat oven. Spray a roasting pan fitted with a roasting rack, with cooking spray.
• Turkey – Center turkey on rack. Tie legs using kitchen twine and tuck wings under. Pour stock into pan.
• Veggies – Arrange onion, orange, sage, rosemary and thyme with garlic in the turkey cavity.
• Citrus Butter – Mix together butter, honey, reserved thyme and orange zest. Drizzle over turkey.
• How to Bake a Turkey Oven – Bake per the cook time in the recipe until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the thigh registers 165-170°F.
• Cover with Foil Tent – Cover loosely with foil and let stand prior to slicing.
• Make Turkey Gravy – Make gravy using the pan drippings per the recipe.
• Serve – Slice and serve the turkey drizzled with gravy and all of your favorite Southern side dishes.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe

• A large turkey roasting pan or a large pan fitted with an oven safe roasting rack.
• Small bowl to mix together the dry rub.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• You’ll also need a meat carving set to slice the turkey.
• Use an instant read meat thermometer – Check the temperature of the turkey before removing it from the oven. Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, looking for an internal temperature of 165°F. Keep in mind, it will continue to rise as it rests on the counter.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions for Southern Turkey Recipe

• Safely Thaw a Frozen Turkey in the Refrigerator – The turkey should be fully thawed before rubbing with the seasonings. Rinse, remove the giblets and pat dry with paper towels.
• Fresh or Frozen Turkey – Can you use a fresh turkey? Of course! The technique and seasoning blend would be the same.
• Dry Brining Turkey – This recipe utilizes a dry brining technique. In other words, the turkey is rubbed with a seasoning blend then chilled for 24 hours before roasting. Whether you use a dry brine or a wet brine, 24 hours is a good rule of thumb for the amount of time it needs to permeate and flavor the turkey.
• Let the Turkey Sit on the Counter – It’s preferable to bring the turkey to room temperature before placing it into the oven. This will allow for more even cooking. Allow 30-60 minutes of time prior to baking.
• Adjust the Roasting Time – You should always adjust the roasting time depending on the size and weight of the turkey you’re cooking. See more turkey roasting tips from Butterball here. 
• Stand Time at the End of Baking – Allow time for the turkey to rest after baking covered with a foil tent, to reabsorb and redistribute the cooking juices. Moist turkey and tenderness is the goal.
• Honey – The addition of honey in the citrus herb butter balances the flavor without making the turkey or drippings sweet. It also adds color to the crispy skin. You could replace it with light brown sugar.
• Orange – You could use lemon wedges and lemon zest in place of orange wedges and orange zest.
• Turkey Breast – You may like to try this recipe for Slow Cooked Turkey Breast for a smaller gathering.
• Turkey Gravy – Slice the turkey and serve with make ahead Turkey Gravy.

Storage and Leftovers

• Storage – Store leftover Oven Roasted Turkey chilled in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Use chopped turkey in casseroles, make turkey sandwiches, cube and enjoy on salads or use it in wraps. Reheat gently in single servings in the microwave with gravy or covered with foil in a preheated 350°F oven drizzled with gravy, broth or butter until heated through, around 20 minutes.
• Save the Bones – Make your own turkey stock and pop it into the freezer for future meals.
• Freezer – Wrap leftover oven roasted turkey wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.

Southern Style Side Dishes to Serve for Thanksgiving

I get as excited about the side dishes as I do the actual turkey served for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Maybe, even more so! Some of our favorite holiday side dish recipes:

• Southern Cornbread Dressing is how my Mom showed me to make and it’s still my favorite year after year.
• What’s Thanksgiving without sweet potatoes? This Sweet Potato Casserole is an absolute must on the holiday table.
• Buttermilk Ranch Mashed Potatoes are creamy and full flavored.
• Add these Southern Collard Greens to your soul food Thanksgiving menu.
• Scratch made Green Bean Casserole is good for the soul food.
• Scalloped Corn is a popular side dish that goes well with Thanksgiving dishes, Christmas or Easter ham.
• Fluffy homemade Honey Yeast Rolls.
• Cranberry Apple Chutney is just the ticket if you’re not fond of the canned version.
• Stuff leftover turkey into these fluffy Honey Yeast Rolls for a snack.
• Cheesy Baked Asparagus is  a stellar addition to any special occasion menu.

Thanks for visiting come back soon!

Disclosure ~ If  a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Turkey Roasting Pan
• Turkey Baster
• Carving Knife
• Mixing Bowls