Description
This Chipotle Citrus Thanksgiving Turkey is a delightful twist on the traditional holiday roast, featuring smoky chipotle peppers and bright citrus flavors. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of chipotle, rosemary, garlic, and citrus zest, then slow-roasted to juicy, tender perfection with crisp golden skin. This recipe ensures a festive centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for a memorable Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, halved
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (for cavity)
- 1 orange, quartered (for cavity)
- Kitchen twine
- Large roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the packaging, and if frozen, ensure it is fully thawed. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture for better browning.
- Make the Chipotle Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with chopped chipotle peppers, chopped rosemary leaves, minced garlic, orange zest, lime zest, kosher salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Apply the Butter Mixture: Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and thighs without tearing it. Spread half of the chipotle butter mixture under the skin, directly onto the meat. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey for full flavor coverage.
- Stuff the Cavity: Place the halved onion, quartered orange, and fresh rosemary sprig inside the turkey cavity to infuse aromatic flavors during roasting.
- Truss the Turkey: Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the bird to ensure even cooking and a compact shape.
- Preheat and Prepare Roasting Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the turkey stock into the bottom of the pan to keep the bird moist and catch drippings.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey periodically with pan juices to keep it moist and enhance browning.
- Rest the Turkey: Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy bird.
- Carve and Serve: Remove the twine, carve the turkey into desired portions, and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.
Notes
- This Chipotle Citrus Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe delivers a juicy, tender turkey roasted to golden perfection, ideal for the holiday season.
- Ensure the turkey is completely thawed before starting to avoid uneven cooking.
- Using a meat thermometer is crucial to avoid under or overcooking.
- Allow the turkey to rest after roasting to retain its moisture when sliced.
- Adjust chipotle quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Save the pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy if desired.
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: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg
