Ingredients
1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)
2 tablespoons kosher salt (or 3 ½ tablespoons depending on salt type)
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons freshly-ground black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Zest of 1 small lemon
1/4 cup neutral oil (such as avocado, canola, or grapeseed)
3 small yellow onions, quartered (1 for inside cavity, 2 for under turkey)
1 lemon, quartered (for inside cavity)
4 large garlic cloves, smashed (for inside cavity)
1 small bunch fresh thyme (for inside cavity)
3 medium carrots, cut into chunks (for under turkey)
3 celery ribs, cut into chunks (for under turkey)
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup dry white wine
Instructions
1-First, pat the turkey dry inside and out, remove any thermometers or trussing, and tuck the wing tips behind the bird. This helps the dry brine stick and sets the stage for even cooking.
2-Next, combine the kosher salt, baking powder, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and lemon zest in a bowl to make your seasoning mix.
3-Loosen the skin carefully and rub the dry brine mixture under the skin, on the outside, and inside the cavity for deeper flavor. Place the turkey on a rack in the refrigerator uncovered for 24 to 72 hours; this is where the magic happens.
4-After that time, remove the turkey from the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before cooking, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C), and pat it dry again if needed.
5-Stuff the cavity with one quartered onion, the smashed garlic cloves, one quartered lemon, and the fresh thyme bunch. In your roasting pan, add the remaining two quartered onions, the carrot chunks, and celery chunks, then pour in the chicken stock and dry white wine around the vegetables. Brush the turkey with the neutral oil and season it with a bit more black pepper for extra kick.
6-Roast the turkey at 450°F for the first 30 minutes to get that crispy skin, then lower the oven to 325°F (160°C) and continue until the breast hits 155°F (68°C) and the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C), which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If any parts brown too quickly, tent them with foil to keep everything even. Keep an eye on the pan liquids; if they dry out, add more stock or water, but remember, no basting is needed here for a simpler process.
7-Once done, let the turkey rest on the roasting rack for 30 minutes before moving it to a cutting board for carving; this step locks in the juices.
8-Finally, strain the drippings and discard the vegetables, saving the drippings if you want to make gravy.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🦃 Fully thaw turkey before brining, allowing about 24 hours per 4 to 5 pounds.
🧂 Use the correct amount of salt depending on your salt type to avoid over- or under-seasoning.
🌡 Use an instant-read thermometer for accurate doneness and ensure juicy results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Dry brine time: 24 to 72 hours
- Cook Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Dry brining, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
