ROASTED CITRUS & HERB TURKEY

Roasted Citrus & Herb Turkey image

Thanksgiving has never been the same since I tried this recipe. I have made it for the past three years, and it never fails to impress both in presentation and taste. This is a true showstopper! -Nancy M. Niemerg, Dieterich, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 4h

Yield 16 servings (2 cups gravy).

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 turkey (14 to 16 pounds)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
1 large onion, quartered
1 medium orange, quartered
1 medium lemon, quartered
3 fresh rosemary sprigs
3 fresh sage sprigs
3 cups chicken broth, divided
3 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon browning sauce, optional

Steps:

Preheat oven to 325°. Mix butter and Italian seasoning., Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up; pat dry. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from turkey breast; rub half of the butter mixture under the skin. Secure skin to underside of breast with toothpicks. Rub cavity with salt and pepper; fill with onion, orange, lemon and herbs. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together., Melt remaining butter mixture; brush over outside of turkey. Add 2 cups broth to roasting pan., Roast, uncovered, until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°, 3-1/2-4 hours, basting occasionally with pan drippings. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.), Remove turkey from oven; tent with foil. Let stand 20 minutes before carving., Pour pan drippings into a small saucepan; skim fat. Mix flour, remaining broth and, if desired, browning sauce until smooth; whisk into pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Serve with turkey.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 500 calories, Fat 24g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 223mg cholesterol, Sodium 653mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 64g protein.