World's Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe: How To Make A Tender Turkey - Easy Turkey Gravy Recipe

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is lower in saturated fat.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon cube

Vegetable broth is lower in sodium.

fresh herbs

🥗Healthier: dried herbs

💰Cheaper: mixed Italian seasoning

Dried herbs are more shelf-stable.

flour

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: cornstarch

Whole wheat flour adds fiber.

Sit the turkey out for about 8 hours to jump start the defrosting process before placing it in the refrigerator.

Prepare a brine in a large stock pot or bucket with water, turkey broth, and a lot of salt, stirring well.

Add minced garlic, onions, and green bell peppers to the brine for flavor.

Add Italian seasoning to the brine and stir well.

Boil the brine on high heat for about 20 minutes until bubbling, then let it cool for about an hour.

Remove the giblets from the turkey, including the neck, and set them aside for gravy.

Add 12 to 14 ice cubes to the brine to keep the turkey from spoiling during the brining process.

Brine the turkey for 13 hours, following the rule of thumb of brining for hours equal to the turkey's weight in pounds.

Rinse the turkey thoroughly to remove all seasonings and any excess fat.

Melt the butter and rub it all over the turkey, including under the skin.

Sprinkle the combined seasonings over the turkey, ensuring to season the inside cavity as well.

Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine and wrap any excess fat.

Flip the turkey upside down to help keep the breast moist while cooking.

Add the giblets to the pan and pour turkey or chicken broth into the pan.

Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.

Cook the turkey covered with foil, then remove the foil to baste and continue cooking at a higher temperature.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens