Description
This Chipotle Citrus Thanksgiving Turkey is a flavorful and juicy holiday centerpiece, featuring a zesty blend of chipotle peppers, fresh rosemary, garlic, and citrus zest. Slow-roasted to golden perfection, it offers tender meat infused with smoky and bright flavors, perfect for a festive feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Stock
- 1 14-pound fresh or frozen whole turkey, thawed
- 2 cups turkey stock
Chipotle Citrus Butter
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened and cut into 6 pieces
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 orange, quartered
- Kitchen twine
Equipment
- Large roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place the turkey breast side up on a large roasting rack inside the roasting pan.
- Make the Chipotle Citrus Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped chipotle peppers, chopped rosemary leaves, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, orange zest, lime zest, and minced garlic. Mix well until fully combined to create a flavorful compound butter.
- Butter the Turkey: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast by sliding your hands between the skin and the meat without tearing. Spread about two-thirds of the chipotle citrus butter evenly under the skin, coating the breast meat. Rub the remaining butter all over the skin of the turkey to ensure maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Stuff and Truss: Stuff the turkey cavity with the halved onion, quartered orange, and sprig of rosemary. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together securely and tuck in the wing tips underneath the bird to promote even cooking.
- Add Stock and Roast: Pour 2 cups of turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist and to collect flavorful drippings. Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey in the preheated oven. Roast for about 2 hours and 55 minutes (approximately 13 minutes per pound), removing the foil tent during the last 45 minutes to brown the skin. Baste the turkey occasionally with pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
- Check Temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and loosely tent with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure moist, tender meat.
- Carve and Serve: Remove the kitchen twine, carve the turkey, and serve it garnished with extra rosemary or citrus slices if desired. Enjoy your chipotle citrus Thanksgiving feast!
Notes
- This Chipotle Citrus Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe is juicy, tender and roasted to golden perfection for the best holiday feast!
- Make sure to thaw your turkey completely if using a frozen one to ensure even cooking.
- Basting the turkey regularly helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and ensure food safety.
- Resting the turkey after roasting is crucial for juicy meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 255 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg
