Traeger Kitchen
Herb Roasted Turkey
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
3 Hours
Effort
Pellets
Hickory
This juicy, herb-crusted turkey is the perfect savory meal to curb your hankering for turkey, any time of year.
Ingredients
Steps
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the 8 tablespoons of softened butter, mixed herbs, salt and black pepper and beat until fluffy with a wooden spoon. (You can make the herbed butter several days ahead: Cover and refrigerate, but bring to room temperature before using).2
Remove any giblets from the turkey cavity and save them for gravy making, if desired. Wash the turkey, inside and out, under cold running water. Dry with paper towels.3
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Tuck the wings behind the back, and tie the legs together with butcher's string.4
Using your fingers or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently push some of the herbed butter underneath the turkey skin onto the breast halves, being careful not to tear the skin. Massage the skin to evenly distribute the herbed butter. Rub the outside of the turkey with the melted butter and sprinkle with the Traeger Pork and Poultry Rub.5
Pour the chicken broth in the bottom of the roasting pan.6
When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 325˚F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
Grill: 325˚7
Put the roasting pan with the turkey directly on the grill grate. Roast the turkey for 3 hours. Insert the probe from the meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh, but not touching bone. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165˚F. The turkey should also be beautifully browned with crisp skin. If the temperature is less than that, or if your turkey is not browned to your liking, let it roast for another 30 minutes, then check the temperature again. Repeat until the turkey is fully cooked.Grill: 325˚
Probe: 165˚8
When the turkey is done, carefully transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Do not tent it with aluminum foil or the skin will lose its crispness. Use the drippings that have accumulated in the bottom of the roasting pan to make gravy, if desired. Carve the turkey and serve.