Description
This Chipotle Citrus Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe features a juicy, tender whole turkey roasted to golden perfection with a flavorful marinade of chipotle peppers, fresh herbs, and citrus zest. Enhanced with butter and turkey stock, this dish delivers a smoky, tangy taste ideal for a memorable holiday feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Marinade
- 1 14-pound fresh or frozen whole turkey (thawed)
- 2 cups turkey stock
- 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 and juice of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
For Roasting and Garnish
- 1 onion (halved)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 orange (quartered)
- Kitchen twine
- Large roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey: Remove the turkey from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. If frozen, ensure it is fully thawed before starting. Position the turkey breast side up in a large roasting pan.
- Make the chipotle citrus butter mixture: In a bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with chopped chipotle peppers, chopped rosemary leaves, kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, minced garlic, orange zest, lime zest, and orange juice. Mix well to create a flavorful compound butter.
- Apply the butter mixture: Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and spread about half of the chipotle citrus butter underneath the skin, coating the breast meat evenly. Rub the remaining butter all over the exterior of the turkey.
- Stuff the turkey cavity: Place the halved onion, quartered orange, and a sprig of fresh rosemary inside the turkey cavity for added aroma and moisture during roasting.
- Truss the turkey: Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together securely and tuck the wing tips under the bird to promote even cooking.
- Add turkey stock: Pour 2 cups of turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist and create a flavorful base for pan drippings.
- Roast the turkey: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast the turkey uncovered. Baste the turkey occasionally with pan juices. Roast for approximately 175 minutes (about 2 hours and 55 minutes), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest the turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before carving.
- Carve and serve: After resting, carve the turkey into desired portions and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- This recipe yields a juicy, tender turkey with a smoky, citrusy flavor perfect for Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings.
- Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before roasting to guarantee even cooking.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately and avoid overcooking.
- Letting the turkey rest after roasting is crucial for moist, flavorful meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 255 kcal
- Sugar: 1.5 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
