Thanksgiving is all about gathering with friends and family to enjoy a delicious meal And there’s no denying that the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving feast is a juicy, flavorful turkey That’s why having an amazing turkey recipe in your back pocket is key to hosting a memorable Thanksgiving dinner.
Luckily, renowned chef Tom Colicchio has shared his secrets for the ultimate herb-butter turkey recipe that is sure to wow your guests. As the head judge on Top Chef and owner of the Craft restaurant group, Colicchio knows a thing or two about cooking a turkey to perfection. Let’s take a closer look at how to make Tom Colicchio’s famous turkey recipe for your next Thanksgiving celebration.
Tom Colicchio’s Herb-Butter Turkey Recipe
The base of Colicchio’s turkey recipe is flavored butter rubbed directly under the skin and in the main cavity. The compound butter contains fresh herbs like thyme, tarragon, rosemary, and sage which perfumes the turkey from the inside out.
Some key steps help ensure deep flavor and a perfectly cooked bird
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High heat to start – Roast at 425°F for the first 20 minutes to get the skin beautifully browned and crisp.
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Lower and slower – Then drop the temp to 350°F and roast until 165°F internal temp. The lower heat ensures even cooking.
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Basting – Baste the turkey with the pan juices and chicken broth every 45 minutes to keep it super moist.
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Resting – Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving so the juices can redistribute.
The full ingredient list includes:
- 1 cup butter
- Fresh thyme, tarragon, rosemary, sage
- 14-16 pound turkey
- Chicken broth
- Onion, carrots, celery (for gravy)
- Flour (for gravy)
The gravy gets an extra boost of flavor by simmering turkey wings and necks with vegetables to make a rich stock. Simply strain the stock and use it as the base for the gravy.
When made according to Colicchio’s method, the turkey comes out tender and juicy on the inside with ultra crisp, flavorful skin on the outside. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any Thanksgiving meal.
Why Tom Colicchio’s Turkey Recipe Works
There are a few key factors that make Colicchio’s turkey recipe stand out above basic roasted turkey.
Flavor galore – Packing the butter under the skin and in the cavity with a bounty of fresh herbs infuses the meat with flavor from the inside out. The aroma of the herbs permeates the entire bird.
Crispy skin – Starting at a high temp browns the skin for crispy results no one can resist. The skin comes out shatteringly crispy.
Moist meat – Basting every 45 minutes ensures the breast meat doesn’t dry out, keeping the meat super juicy. The broth also adds flavor.
Rich gravy – Simmering turkey parts makes the gravy next level. The collagen melts into the broth creating a silky, luxurious gravy.
Easy method – Aside from basting, it’s a simple “set it and forget it” method that doesn’t require much hands-on time.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey
After making Colicchio’s turkey recipe for many Thanksgivings, here are some tips I’ve learned:
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Weigh down the wings – Place a heavy object like a cast iron pan on the wings to keep them flat against the body so they brown evenly.
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Make extra herb butter – I like to double the amount of flavored butter. It ensures I have enough to really pack it under the skin.
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Use a probe thermometer – It lets you monitor the temp without opening the oven and avoids overcooking.
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Make the gravy base ahead – You can make it 1-2 days before and store in the fridge so there’s less work on Thanksgiving day.
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Carve properly – Letting the turkey rest before carving and carving across the grain helps keep the meat incredibly moist.
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Use the drippings – Don’t discard the drippings in the pan! Use them to make your gravy extra rich.
What People Love about This Recipe
Tom Colicchio’s turkey recipe always gets rave reviews whenever I make it. Here’s some of the feedback I’ve received that shows why it’s become a new Thanksgiving tradition for many families:
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“Hands down the best turkey I’ve ever eaten! My family actually fights over the crispy skin now.”
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“The meat was so flavorful and moist, not dried out like turkeys I’ve had in the past.”
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“The gravy is to die for! I could drink it straight it’s so rich and delicious.”
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“Making the flavored butter and stuffing it under the skin made all the difference. The herbs give amazing flavor.”
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“Easy to make but comes out tasting gourmet. This will be my go-to Thanksgiving recipe from now on!”
No matter if you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, Tom Colicchio’s famous turkey recipe will help you bring an irresistible centerpiece to the Thanksgiving table this year. The herb-butter turkey never fails to impress guests and have them going back for seconds. Give it a try this year and prepare to wow your family and friends with your amazing Thanksgiving feast.
