Herb Butter Roasted Turkey by Ammiskitchenig

Ingredients

• 1 (12-14 lb) whole turkey
• 4 sticks (1 lb) salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme), chopped
• 3 tbsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp lemon zest
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp ground black pepper
• 4 tbsp salt
• 4 tbsp garlic powder (for brine)
• 3 tbsp onion powder
• 3 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 4 tbsp ground black pepper (for brine)
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 3 medium carrots, roughly chopped
• 3 stalks celery, roughly chopped
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme and sage

Instructions

1. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels.
2. Combine 4 tbsp salt, 4 tbsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp onion powder, 3 tbsp cayenne, and 4 tbsp black pepper in a small bowl.
3. Rub the dry spice mixture evenly all over the turkey. Refrigerate uncovered overnight or up to 2 days.
4. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
5. Mix softened butter, chopped fresh herbs, 3 tbsp garlic powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken bouillon, olive oil, and 2 tbsp black pepper until combined.
6. Gently separate the skin from the breast meat with your hands. Spread the herb butter under the skin and inside the cavity. Rub any remaining butter over the outside of the skin.
7. Place the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and herb sprigs in the bottom of a roasting pan. Set a roasting rack on top.
8. Place the turkey on the rack and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
9. Roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue roasting for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Rest the turkey for 30 minutes before carving.