The Most Tender Turkey Recipe

Name: The Most Tender Turkey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 20 lbs fresh whole turkey; 1 cup finely chopped celery; 1 cup finely chopped carrot; 1 cup finely chopped onion; 2 cups Chardonnay wine or 2 cups apple juice; 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; 6 tablespoons butter, if you make gravy; 6 tablespoons flour, if you make gravy; 1/2 cup olive oil; fresh thyme, finely chopped (1 pkg); fresh sage, finely chopped (1 pkg); fresh rosemary, finely chopped (1 pkg); 2 tablespoons minced garlic

Servings: persons

20 lbs fresh whole turkey
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped carrot
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 cups Chardonnay wine or 2 cups apple juice
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
6 tablespoons butter, if you make gravy
6 tablespoons flour, if you make gravy
1/2 cup olive oil
fresh thyme, finely chopped (1 pkg)
fresh sage, finely chopped (1 pkg)
fresh rosemary, finely chopped (1 pkg)
2 tablespoons minced garlic

1
Note: If your turkey is 15 lbs or less reduce the ingredients by half EXCEPT the wine/apple juice and chicken broth - make it 1.5 cups. Cooking time and oven temperature can vary. In my oven it is approximately 4 hours at a slightly higher heat. If turkey is cooked early carve and then use broth to keep it moist if keeping warm while rest of dinner is prepared.
2
Combine the oil, 2 Tablespoons herbs, 2 Tablespoons garlic in a bowl, let stand for one hour or make one day ahead and refrigerate. The remainder of herbs go well in the stuffing.
3
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. (In my oven it is 350 degrees).
4
In a large roasting pan add carrots, celery and onions.
5
Rub herb/oil mixture over turkey pieces, season with salt and pepper, add to roasting pan on top of vegetables.
6
Pour wine and chicken broth around turkey in pan.
7
The liquid will expand with cooking so when you remove from oven the pan will be quite full and needs to be removed carefully. A large roasting pan is optimal (I have a Kitchen Aid).
8
Add less liquid if you do not want as much turkey broth or easier removal from oven once cooked. I use it for the stuffing and always use this amount.
9
Bake uncovered until turkey is a nice golden brown. Baste every 30 minutes, turn the pan after each basting for even cooking. Cover with foil for the remainder of cooking time once turkey is browned. (Cooking time is dependent on the size of your turkey).
10
Once done remove turkey onto cutting board and cover with foil for 30 minutes. Then carve and and add to turkey platter.
11
Strain pan juices. Spoon the fat off. I use the turkey broth to add to the stuffing which I bake on the side.
12
To make gravy measure 6 cups of broth in total. Adding chicken broth if required.
13
Melt 6 tbsp butter & mix in 6 tbsp flour until blended, gradually whisk in pan juices, boil and then simmer gravy until thickened.

5114

kcal

Calories

211

Fat

Carbs

700

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 20 lbs fresh whole turkey, 1 cup finely chopped celery, 1 cup finely chopped carrot, 1 cup finely chopped onion, and more.

Yes, The Most Tender Turkey falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

The Most Tender Turkey

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions