Cooking a whole turkey can feel a little intimidating, right? But don’t worry—you don’t need to stress over dry meat or complicated steps. This herbed turkey with citrus is a fresh, flavorful take on the classic roasted turkey that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a special Sunday dinner.
You’ll be plesantly surprised at how easy it is to make this recipe too! Other than a few extra minutes with chopping and mixing herbs, there isn’t much more effort required to create this delicious herbed turkey recipe. And let me tell you, this Orange Herbed Turkey with Spiced Rub is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
By tucking fresh herbs under the skin and filling the cavity with oranges and lemons, you’ll end up with a citrus turkey that’s juicy, tender, and full of bright flavor in every bite. Plus, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while it roasts too.
Why You’ll Love This Herbed Citrus Turkey
- Simple ingredients – Just oil, herbs, and oranges—no complicated brine or hard-to-find spices.
- Easy prep – The method is straightforward, even if it’s your first time roasting a whole turkey.
- Juicy + flavorful – Fresh citrus keeps the meat moist, while herbs add depth and fragrance.
- Versatile leftovers – Perfect for turkey sandwiches, soups, and casseroles the next day.
- Holiday-worthy – A golden, roasted turkey that looks just as impressive as it tastes.
Equipment
Depending on the method you choose to make the turkey with, there are a few items you’ll need. Personally, I like to smoke my turkey. It cooks faster than the typical oven roasted turkey and is so good with a smoked apple wood flavor.
If you’re considering a smoker, I highly recommend this one: Char-Broil Big Easy Infrared Smoker. For smoking, I recommend apple wood chips
. It’s lighter and results in a tasty spiced smoked turkey.
If you do not have a smoker, you can cook this turkey in your oven in a shallow roasting pan.
I also use a meat injector for adding more flavor to the turkey meat. This is the injector I use. It’s optional, but recommended for an even juicier flavorful turkey.
Ingredients
First, you’ll need a turkey.
My personal go-to is a Shady Brook Farms or Honeysuckle White fresh young turkey. If you purchase a frozen turkey, make sure it is completely defrosted before you begin cooking.
Orange herb marinade for under the skin &/or injector:
- olive oil
- orange juice
- minced garlic
- salt
- pepper
- fresh sage, finely chopped
- fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- fresh thyme, finely chopped
- orange zest (fresh is best, but you can use zest from a spice jar too)
(fresh is best, but you can use zest from a spice jar too)Herb Rub for the turkey skin:
- peanut oil or other oil
- fresh sage, ribboned
- fresh thyme, minced
- fresh rosemary, minced
- salt
- pepper
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- orange zest
or other oil
How to Make Orange Herbed Turkey with Spiced Rub
Making this turkey starts the night before you want to roast—but don’t be intimidated!
Infuse the oil with herbs.
Chop/mince the herbs. You’ll save time and give yourself less work on Thanksgiving morning by doing this ahead of time. Place the herbs meant for the herb/spice rub back in the refrigerator.
Then, mix together all the marinade ingredients, cover, and leave out overnight. This will allow the herbs to infuse into the oil, resulting in greater flavor.
Roast or Smoke the Turkey
The morning of, preheat your smoker or oven. (Follow package directions for your oven.)
If you have a smoker, soak the apple wood chips in water about 30 minutes prior. Turn your smoker on high.
Next prepare your turkey. Take the turkey out of the package and remove the giblets and neck. Rinse off the juices and pat the turkey dry with a paper towel.
Place the turkey on a baking sheet, roasting pan, or platter. Gently use your fingers to open the area between the breast and the skin, being careful not to tear the skin.
Next, have someone help you hold the turkey upright and spoon 1/4 of the marinade liquid into this small area between the skin and breast. Spoon another 1/4 marinade mixture into the other breast area. Lay the turkey back down and massage gently to distribute the marinade.
Strain the herbs from the remaining liquid and inject the remaining marinade into the things, drumstick, and breast. (Typically the herbs are too large and will clog the injector.)
Make the Herb and Spice Rub
Mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and orange zest together.
Brush the turkey with peanut oil (recommended for smoking) or your favorite oil.
Sprinkle the remaining herbs over the oil and skin. Next, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the entire turkey, including the underside.
Cook the Turkey
Cook as directed.
Our smoker requires about 10 minutes of cook time per pound. Be sure to check with a meat thermometer.
Here are the cooking temperatures according to Shady Brook Farms: cooking a turkey
When your Orange Herbed Turkey with Spiced Rub is finished, remove from the smoker or oven and let it sit for about 20 minutes before serving. This allows you time to finish preparing other dishes and allows the delicious juices to seep into the meat further.
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with additional herbs, slices of orange, cranberries, or as desired.
Serve your orange citrus herbed turkey and be prepared for everyone to ask for seconds or thirds!
Tips for the Best Roasted Turkey Every Time
- Pat the turkey dry – This helps the oil and herbs stick and gives you crispier skin.
- Don’t skip the citrus – Oranges add tbrightness and keep the herbed turkey moist while it cooks.
- Use a meat thermometer – The easiest way to avoid dry turkey! Aim for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
- Let it rest before carving – Give your citrus turkey at least 20–30 minutes to lock in the juices.
Herbed Citrus Roasted Turkey FAQs
Do I need to brine this turkey first?
Nope! This recipe skips the brine and still gives you a juicy, flavorful herbed turkey thanks to the citrus and herb butter.
What herbs are best for roasted turkey?
Classic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage are the go-to trio. They pair perfectly with the citrus for a fresh and fragrant citrus turkey.
Can I swap in different citrus fruits?
Absolutely while I recommend oranges, you can switch up the citrus with lemons, clementines, or even grapefruit to add your own unique flavor.
How do I keep my roasted turkey from drying out?
Using citrus and butter helps, but the real secret is a meat thermometer. Pull your roasted turkey out as soon as it hits 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
So, there you have it! A delicious, easy to make citrus herbed turkey. I know your family will love this as much as mine does. Enjoy!
More Thanksgiving Recipes
Orange Herbed Turkey with Spiced Rub
With savory herbs and spices, this Orange Herbed Turkey with Spiced Rub recipe will result in a mouthwatering tender bird so delicious everyone will want seconds or thirds!
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
Ingredients
Orange herb marinade for under the skin &/or injector:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 Tbsp sage, finely chopped
- 1/2 Tbsp rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 Tbsp thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tsp orange zest
Herb Rub for the turkey skin:
- peanut oil or other oil
- 1 Tbsp sage, ribboned
- 1/2 Tbsp thyme, minced
- 1/2 Tbsp rosemary, minced
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- fresh young turkey
Instructions
- The night before, chop up the herbs. Place the herbs meant for the herb/spice rub back in the refrigerator.
- Mix together all the marinade ingredients, cover, and leave out overnight. This will allow the herbs to infuse into the oil resulting in greater flavor.
- The morning of:
- Preheat your smoker or oven. For a smoker, soak apple wood chips in water about 30 minutes prior to cooking and turn your smoker on high.
- Next prepare your turkey. Take the turkey from the package and remove the giblets and neck. Rinse off the juices and pat the turkey dry with a paper towel.
- Place the turkey on a baking sheet, roasting pan, or platter. Gently use your fingers to open the area between the breast and the skin, being careful not to tear the skin. Have someone help you hold the turkey upright and spoon 1/4 of the marinade liquid into this small area between the skin and breast. Spoon another 1/4 marinade mixture into the other breast area. Lay the turkey back down and massage gently to distribute the marinade.
- Strain the herbs from the remaining liquid and inject the remaining marinade into the things, drumstick, and breast.
- For the herb and spice rub:
- Mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and orange zest together.
- Brush the turkey with peanut oil or your favorite oil. Sprinkle the remaining herbs over the oil and skin. Next, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the entire turkey, including the underside.
- Cook as directed. Your turkey is done when the breast meat is 165˚ F and dark meat is 175˚ F.
- When your Orange Herbed Turkey with Spiced Rub is finished, remove from the smoker or oven and let it sit for about 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey; it can be anywhere from 2-5 or more hours.
Serving size also varies.
Alicia says
What a delicious way to prepare turkey! I can’t wait for Thanksgiving because it means so many delicious foods and leftover turkey sandwiches 🙂
Brandy says
What a delicious recipe idea, I love making turkey at Thanksgiving but admit I am new to making it. This sounds like a great way to make turkey this year!
Sarah says
Oooo going to try this one this year. I am in charge of cooking turkey! What a life saver of a recipe
Vera Sweeney says
This sounds like an amazing turkey!! I have never make a turkey with an orange flavoring.
Hali @daytodayMOMents says
Wow that came out so good, I might have to give this a try on a roast chicken for dinner!
George Calderon says
How many pounds of Turkey is your recipe for?
Erika says
We made a 20 pound turkey.