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Turkey has long been a centerpiece of culinary traditions, especially during festive occasions such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings. Celebrated for its versatility and ability to feed a crowd, turkey has found its way into countless recipes across various cultures. The tradition of roasting turkey dates back centuries, with each region adding its unique spin to this beloved dish. While classic preparation methods often dominate holiday tables, modern cooks are increasingly looking for innovative ways to elevate this traditional bird.

Lemon Glazed Turkey

Elevate your holiday gatherings with this delightful Lemon Zest Turkey Delight recipe! Infusing fresh lemon juice and zest into a whole turkey, this dish offers a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Learn how to achieve perfectly cooked, juicy turkey with a golden, crispy skin using fragrant herbs, a flavorful butter glaze, and proper roasting techniques. Impress your guests with a stunning centerpiece that’s both flavorful and visually appealing, perfect for any festive occasion!
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Ingredients
  

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)

Zest of 2 lemons

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon sugar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

    Prepare the Turkey: Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove the giblets and neck from inside the cavity.

      Make the Lemon Butter Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, garlic, onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

        Apply the Lemon Glaze: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey with your fingers, creating a pocket. Spread half of the lemon butter mixture under the skin, making sure to cover the breast and thighs. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.

          Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of a large roasting pan. This will help keep the turkey moist during cooking.

            Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in the roasting pan. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Roast in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast (about 2.5 to 3 hours).

              Glaze for Color: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the turkey to brown. Brush the turkey with any remaining lemon butter mixture every 10 minutes.

                Rest the Turkey: Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

                  Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Slice and serve the turkey with your favorite sides.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 4 hours | Serves 10-12