Go Back
–+ servings
Golden brown turkey cooked in an electric roaster oven

Cooking a Turkey in a Roaster

This foolproof method for cooking a turkey in a roaster delivers juicy meat and golden skin without the stress of oven juggling. Inspired by family holiday traditions, this recipe combines simplicity with flavor, ensuring every celebration is memorable.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

1 whole turkey (14–16 pounds), thawed½ cup olive oil or melted butter2 tablespoons kosher salt1 tablespoon black pepper1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)1 large onion, quartered2 medium carrots, chopped2 celery stalks, chopped2 cups chicken broth1 lemon, cut in half (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your roaster oven to 325°F (163°C).Remove giblets and neck from the turkey, rinse, and pat dry.Rub the turkey with olive oil or melted butter to coat evenly.Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon halves, and fresh herbs.Place carrots and celery in the bottom of the roaster pan.Pour in the chicken broth to keep the turkey moist.Cover and roast for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).Baste the turkey with pan juices every hour for golden, crisp skin.Rest for 20–30 minutes before carving to let the juices settle.Serve warm with your favorite sides like cranberry sauce or roasted vegetables.

    Notes

    For crispier skin, uncover the turkey for the last 30 minutes of roasting. Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months frozen.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 38gFat: 18gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 290mg
    Keyword cooking a turkey in a roaster, holiday turkey recipe, roaster oven turkey
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!