Roasting a turkey doesn’t have to feel like a culinary marathon. With this easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe, you’ll get a beautifully golden bird that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor without all the stress. Whether you’re hosting for the first time or just want a reliable go-to recipe, this one keeps things simple and delicious.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance between ease and tradition. It uses a few key techniques that maximize flavor and tenderness, like a butter herb rub and high-heat roasting to crisp the skin. You’ll end up with a centerpiece worthy of any holiday table, but without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

This turkey recipe is tailored for home cooks who want great results with minimal fuss. The preparation is straightforward, so you can focus more on family, friends, and maybe even a glass of wine. The skin turns out perfectly browned and crisp, while the meat stays juicy thanks to a foolproof roasting method. Bonus: leftovers are just as good the next day for sandwiches or soups.

What Size Turkey Should I Use?

For a traditional Thanksgiving gathering, aim for about 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per guest. That means a 12- to 14-pound bird is ideal for feeding 8 to 10 people with a little left over. If you’re serving a smaller group but still want that festive presentation, go for a 10-pound turkey and simply reduce the roasting time accordingly.

Ingredients for the Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

To make the best roasted turkey without overcomplicating your holiday, you’ll want to keep the ingredient list focused and effective. Each component brings out either flavor, texture, or moisture in the turkey.

Whole turkey
Unsalted butter
Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage
Garlic
Salt
Black pepper
Yellow onion
Carrots
Celery
Chicken broth or water

The whole turkey is, of course, the star. Look for one that’s fresh or fully thawed for even cooking. Unsalted butter helps create a rich base for the herby rub and promotes golden, crispy skin. Fresh herbs infuse both the inside and outside of the bird with fragrant flavor. Garlic, salt, and pepper round out the seasoning profile. For the roasting pan, onion, carrots, and celery elevate the flavor of the drippings, and chicken broth keeps the environment moist.

How To Make the Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

Step 1: Prep the Turkey

Remove the turkey from the fridge about an hour before cooking so it comes to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels, making sure the skin is as dry as possible for crisping.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

In a bowl, mix softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Loosen the skin over the turkey breasts and rub some of the butter directly underneath. Use the remaining butter to coat the exterior of the bird generously.

Step 3: Stuff the Cavity

Add halved onion, a few herb sprigs, and a garlic clove or two inside the turkey. This adds aromatics while it roasts without needing a full stuffing.

Step 4: Set Up the Roasting Pan

Layer chopped onion, celery, and carrots on the bottom of a large roasting pan. Place the turkey on a rack over the vegetables. Pour in about 2 cups of chicken broth.

Step 5: Roast the Turkey

Roast the turkey at 425°F for 30 minutes to brown the skin, then reduce the heat to 350°F and continue roasting until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (about 2.5 to 3 hours for a 12- to 14-pound bird). Baste every 45 minutes with pan juices.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes before carving. This step is crucial to let the juices redistribute.

How to Serve and Store Your Turkey

A turkey this juicy and flavorful deserves to be carved at the table, with those crispy golden skin pieces saved for the lucky ones nearby. Serve it sliced or shredded, and don’t forget to drizzle on some of those pan drippings or your favorite gravy.

This recipe feeds 8 to 10 people generously. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Turkey also freezes beautifully; just wrap portions tightly in foil and store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

What to Serve With Easy Thanksgiving Turkey?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and buttery, they make the perfect base for soaking up savory turkey drippings.

Classic Caprese Salad

A light, fresh contrast to the richness of the turkey. Try the Classic Caprese Salad Recipe.

Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese

For a rich and comforting side that makes everyone smile. See our mac and cheese recipe.

Southern Cornbread Poppers

Crispy on the edges and tender inside, these are perfect for dipping in gravy or cranberry sauce.

Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach and Potatoes

If you need a second main dish, this one’s cozy and crowd-pleasing. Check it out here.

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells

If you’re looking to impress meat-lovers beyond the turkey, this dish brings big flavor.

Want More Holiday Main Dish Ideas?

If you love this Easy Thanksgiving Turkey, here are a few more hearty dishes worth bookmarking:

Try the No Peek Chicken Casserole for a no-fuss comfort dinner.
For a bold and flavorful option, make Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells.
Enjoy an easy pasta night with One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni.
Keep it green and savory with Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms.
Need a vegetarian side? Roasted Zucchini and Squash pairs beautifully.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so it’s right there when you need it.

Have you made this turkey for your holiday gathering? I’d love to know if you added your own twist or followed it exactly. Did you brine it or skip that step? Let’s swap tips in the comments!

Explore more seasonal comfort dishes and crowd-pleasing mains on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving should be about togetherness, warmth, and of course, amazing food. This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey recipe checks every box for a successful feast: simple to prepare, richly flavorful, and reliably juicy. It might just become your new favorite tradition.