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Easiest 3-Ingredient Thanksgiving Turkey Juicy, Simple & Perfect for Stress-Free Holidays

Easiest 3‑Ingredient Thanksgiving Turkey

This stress-free turkey recipe delivers juicy, golden results with just three simple ingredients: turkey, butter, and salt. Perfect for first-time cooks or anyone looking to simplify the holidays without sacrificing flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Turkey
  • 1 whole turkey 12–14 lbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened (1 stick)
  • 1–2 tsp kosher salt or sea salt, to taste

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • Roasting Rack
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the oven rack in the lowest third of the oven.
  2. Remove neck and giblets from the turkey if included. Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. Gently separate the skin from the breast meat and spread softened butter under the skin and over the breast and thighs. Rub remaining butter on the outside of the turkey. Sprinkle salt inside the cavity and over the skin.
  4. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the oven for about 2¾ to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove from oven and loosely tent with aluminum foil. Let rest 20–30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

You can upgrade the recipe by mixing herbs into the butter or adding citrus inside the cavity, but the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Resting the turkey is key for juicy results. Avoid tightly wrapping it after roasting to prevent soggy skin.