Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey brings bright, fresh flavors to your holiday table.
A whole turkey is stuffed with fragrant oranges, onions, and fresh rosemary sprigs. Then, it’s rubbed with a citrus-herb mixture of orange zest, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
The turkey roasts until golden brown, creating flavorful juices that transform into a delicious sauce.
Citrus adds an unexpected brightness that makes this turkey truly special. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Why KJ Loves
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If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to infuse your turkey with flavor, then this Citrus Herb Turkey is for you! I love how this turkey smells as it’s roasting in the oven and the bright flavors it brings to the holiday table.
Citrus Herb Turkey Roasting Tips
I know roasting a turkey can feel overwhelming, but I’ll walk you through everything you need to create the perfect holiday centerpiece!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A large roasting pan with wire rack – This is a must-have for evenly cooking your turkey. Plus, you can use it year-round for chickens and roasts!
- Meat thermometer – The most reliable way to know when your turkey is done. Check for 165°F in the deepest part of the thigh.
- Sharp knife – Trust me, trying to carve a turkey with a dull knife is no fun.
- A baster – An essential tool for roasting citrus herb turkey.
- Time – Ok, not a kitchen utensil, but super important! Give yourself plenty of breathing room! Better to have the turkey done early and keeping warm than to have hungry guests waiting.
Simple Tips for Success
Thawing Your Turkey
- Allow 24 hours of fridge thawing time for every 4-5 pounds.
- For a 10-12 pound turkey, start thawing 3 days before cooking.
- Once thawed, use within 2 days.
- For more tips, including how to thaw a turkey using cold water, check out these instructions.
Prepping the Turkey
- Remove the neck and giblets (usually in a bag inside the cavity).
- Pat the turkey super dry with paper towels — this helps you get a crispier skin.
During Roasting
- If the skin browns too quickly, just tent it with foil.
- Don’t keep opening the oven door — use the light to check on your turkey.
- Trust your thermometer more than time — look for 165°F in the thigh.
Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- Whole Turkey (10-12 pounds), neck and giblets removed
- Onions (cubed)
- Oranges (sliced)
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
- Chicken Stock
For the Citrus Herb Rub:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt
- Ground Pepper
- Fresh Rosemary (minced)
- Fresh Thyme (chopped)
- Garlic (chopped)
- Zest of 1 Orange
How to Make Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey
1
Prepare the turkey.
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Place the turkey in a roasting pan with a wire rack. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels.
Gently stuff the cavity with onion pieces, orange slices, and three rosemary sprigs. Place any extra onions and oranges in the bottom of the roasting pan.
Pour chicken stock into the bottom of the pan.
2
Season generously.
Mix all of the rub ingredients in a small bowl.
Evenly coat the entire turkey with the citrus-herb mixture, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
3
Roast and baste.
Tent the citrus herb turkey with foil and roast for 2 hours.
Remove the foil, baste the turkey with pan juices, and continue roasting for another 1 ½ – 2 hours. Baste every 30 minutes until the turkey is golden brown and reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Depending on the size of your turkey, the cooking time can vary.
4
Rest and make the sauce.
Let the citrus herb roasted turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Meanwhile, transfer the pan drippings to a saucepan. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened.
5
Carve and feast!
Slice up your golden, citrus-infused turkey and serve with the reduced pan sauce. Then watch as your guests’ eyes light up at the first bite!
Turkey FAQ
How many people will this citrus and herb turkey feed?
A 10-12 pound citrus herb roasted turkey will serve 8-10 people.
Can I prep anything ahead?
Yes! Mix the herb rub the day before and store in an airtight container in the fridge. (Also, don’t forget to thaw the turkey!)
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can substitute dried herbs. Use one teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone). It should read 165°F.
Make It a Feast
Serve an unforgettable spread with our complete Thanksgiving menu. Each dish brings something special to create a perfectly balanced feast.
- Cranberry Orange Sauce – Sweet-tart sauce with a citrus twist that brightens every bite. Make it ahead for stress-free hosting!
- Pomegranate Apple Kale Salad – A festive side that even salad skeptics will love. Studded with pomegranate seeds and crisp apples.
- Honey Pecan Hasselback Butternut Squash – A show-stopping side with crispy edges and sweet honey-pecan topping. Looks fancy but is surprisingly simple.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Pudding – A cozy, creamy finish to your meal that combines favorite fall flavors into one dreamy dessert.
We’ve designed these recipes to help you host with confidence, with make-ahead options that let you spend more time making memories. 💪
Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey
- Total Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
Citrus Herb Roasted Turkey brings bright, fresh flavors to your holiday table.
A whole turkey is stuffed with fragrant oranges, onions, and fresh rosemary sprigs. Then, it’s rubbed with a citrus-herb mixture of orange zest, rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
The turkey roasts until golden brown, creating flavorful juices that transform into a delicious sauce.
Citrus adds an unexpected brightness that makes this turkey truly special. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
- 10–12 pound whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
- 2 onions, cubed
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 3 rosemary sprigs
- 4 cups chicken stock
For the rub:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Place the turkey in a roasting pan with a wire rack. Pat the turkey dry with a paper towel. Gently stuff the cavity of the turkey with as many of the onion and orange pieces that you can along with the 3 sprigs of rosemary. Any extra onion and orange pieces can go into the bottom of the roasting pan. Pour the chicken stock into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Mix together the rub ingredients in a small bowl. Evenly pour and gently rub into the turkey to make sure that all of the turkey is covered.
- Tent the turkey with foil and bake for 2 hours covered. Then, remove the foil and baste the turkey with the juices from the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Continue to roast the turkey for another 1 ½ – 2 hours, basting the turkey with the juices from the bottom of the pan about every 30 minutes. Roast until the turkey is golden brown in color and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey thigh reaches 165 degrees.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving. While the turkey is resting, carefully transfer the drippings from the bottom of the roasting pan to a sauce pan (I just use the baster again to help with this so I don’t have to strain a whole roasting pan). Bring to a low boil and then allow to simmer and reduce for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve the carved turkey with the reduced drippings and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutritional information for this recipe is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 255
- Fat: 7.5g
- Protein: 43.9g
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Hi, I’m KJ!
Here you’ll find simple, delicious recipes for the home cook. I strive to make wholesome meals with easy-to-find ingredients that you feel comfortable making in your own kitchen—but I won’t shy away from a few indulgences! (I see you: butter, bacon, cookies!)
