Neely's Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Avid fans of The Neelys Thanksgiving turkey recipe know how fuss-free and simple they do Thanksgiving. Learn how to make this succulent, juicy, ultra-flavorful turkey recipe that could not be easier. Get ready for rave reviews.
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Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons rubbed sage
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspooons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 10-12 pound whole turkey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325°F. Arrange a rack on the bottom of the oven.
- Mix spices together in a small bowl.
- Remove the neck and giblets and either throw them away or reserve them for making gravy. If the turkey has the plastic piece around the legs, remove that too along with the plastic piece in the breast that is supposed to indicate when it is done (it doesn't work). Rinse turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels inside the turkey cavity as well as the skin.
- Rub the turkey all over with the olive oil, getting some inside the cavity as well. Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the whole turkey, getting some inside the turkey too.
- Place turkey on a wire rack (like a cooling rack) inside a large pan or baking sheet. If you have a roasting pan with a rack, use that. Tuck the wing tips behind the turkey so it exposes the bottom side of the wings. Tie the legs together with twine.
- Roast the turkey until the skin is golden brown and crisp and an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F when inserted in the inside, thick section of the thigh. This will take anywhere from 2-3 hours depending on the size of the turkey. Start checking to see if the turkey is done around hour 2. Rotate the turkey every hour to ensure even cooking.
- Remove from the oven, tent with a piece of foil and let rest for 30 minutes. Slice the turkey and serve.
Notes
- Seasoning the turkey. Don't forget to season the turkey cavity and rubbing some of the spice mix underneath the skin on the turkey breasts as well. This ensures that every bite is packed with delicious flavor.
- Adjusting the heat level. This turkey recipe isn't really spicy but if you are sensitive to heat, you can reduce or omit the cayenne chili powder. Adjust the spice mix according to your taste preferences.
- Plan ahead. Letting the turkey sit at room temperature before roasting helps it cook more evenly and promotes juiciness. Plan ahead and give yourself enough time for this step.
- Let it rest. Tenting the roasted turkey with foil after it's done cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister and more tender bird.