Step-By-Step Guide on How to Cook Turkey in an Oven

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Preheat the oven to 325F
Remove the turkey from its packaging, remove the giblets and neck from the cavity, and rinse it inside and out with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out
Gently loosen the skin from the meat by sliding your fingers underneath it, being careful not to tear the skin. Rub half of the softened butter underneath the skin and half on top of the skin.
Place the turkey in a large roasting pan with a rack, breast side up. Add the chicken or turkey broth to the pan.
Cover the turkey loosely with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Cook according to the recommended time based on the weight of the turkey, as I mentioned earlier.
After the first hour of cooking, remove the foil and baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
As previously discussed, check the turkey’s temperature in the thickest part of the meat with a thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 165, the turkey is done.
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
Serve with your favorite side dish, and enjoy.

Always note that how long to cook a turkey in an oven depends mainly on the size of the bird. Other factors are also included.