If the turkey is going to be the focal point of your Thanksgiving feast, then you want to make sure it exceeds your guests' expectations. Whether you're serving Thanksgiving dinner for a crowd or preparing an intimate dinner, we have the perfect Thanksgiving turkey recipe to create a show-stopping centerpiece. Our glazed turkey recipe features a fusion of buttery, sweet, spicy, smoky, and savory flavors with a crisp crust and juicy inside.
What Special Equipment Do I Need?
This glazed turkey recipe can be easily made using common cooking equipment and utensils that are likely already in your kitchen. To get started with this turkey recipe, you'll need the following specialty items:
- Rimmed Sheet Pan: Make sure you have a rimmed sheet pan with some depth to catch the drippings as the turkey cooks.
- Baking Rack: Also known as a cooling rack, you will need a baking rack to elevate the bird off of your sheet pan to ensure proper airflow for crispy skin.
- Twine: You will need twine to truss the turkey's legs. Trussing a turkey closes its breast cavity, which prevents the breast from drying out before the thighs and legs are cooked.
- Basting Brush: Use a basting brush to evenly apply the glaze.
- Mesh Strainer: Strain the broth with a mesh strainer to ensure the right consistency.
Spicy Maple Glazed Turkey with Herb Butter Recipe
Elevate your holiday gathering into an unforgettable feast with this spicy maple glazed turkey recipe! Tender, juicy turkey meets a smoky-sweet chipotle-maple glaze, while a luscious herb butter takes it to the next level. The chipotles' spiciness and earthy, smoky undertones pairs perfectly with the rich sweetness of maple syrup.
As swicy (sweet and spicy) foods become a more ubiquitous food trend, this showstopping Thanksgiving turkey recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic dish. Its bold flavor pairs well with classic Thanksgiving sides, casseroles, and desserts. Be sure to have well-planned Thanksgiving wine list to complement, not overshadow, your dishes.
Recipe by: Ronne Day, WebstaurantStore Food Stylist
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Total Time: 3 to 3 1/2 hours
Ingredients
- 8 ounces unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoon finely chopped cilantro
- 2 teaspoon thinly sliced chives
- 2 teaspoon finely chopped tarragon
- 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped sage
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Chipotle pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3 Tablespoons finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- (1) 12 lb. to 14 lb. fresh turkey (neck and giblets reserved), defrosted
- 2 quarts turkey stock or chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 small sweet onion, chopped
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 6 Tablespoons corn starch
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions
- Position oven rack in the center and heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218.3 Celcius).
- Line rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil and place baking rack on top of the foil.
- In small bowl, combine butter, herbs, 1 teaspoon salt, and chipotle pepper flakes.
- Combine maple syrup, chipotles, 1 Tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in small saucepan. Warm the mixture until salt has dissolved. Reserve 1/4 cup of the mixture.
- Working slowly and carefully, loosen skin over turkey breast and around thighs and drumsticks. Rub 6 Tablespoons of butter mixture in between skin and meat.
- Truss turkey and place it on baking rack and pat skin dry. Lightly brush with glaze and then lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 10 minutes, rotate bird, and continue roasting for another 10 minutes.
- Lower heat to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (162.8 Celcius). Continue roasting turkey, rotating and glazing every 15 minutes until glaze is gone and thigh has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73.9 Celcius).
- Meanwhile in a large heavy-duty pot, heat remaining 1 Tablespoon oil over medium-high heat and add neck and giblets. Saute until golden brown.
- Remove liver, then add mirepoix (carrot, celery, and onion). Continue to saute until vegetables begin to brown.
- Add wine to deglaze pan and scrape brown bits from bottom. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until wine is fully absorbed.
- Add stock or broth, bring it to a boil, and then reduce to a simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
- Remove and finely chop neck, giblets, and liver and set aside.
- Strain broth and wipe out pot. Then return broth to pot and keep warm.
- Shortly before turkey is finished, bring broth to a boil. Combine cornstarch, heavy cream, and water and slowly whisk mixture into broth. Whisk in reserved chipotle mixture, chopped-up neck, giblets, and liver, and 2 Tablespoons of butter as well. Season broth to taste.
- When turkey is finished roasting, transfer to a large cutting board, preferably with a trough, and tent with foil for 10 minutes to let meat rest.
- Pour pan juices and any brown bits into gravy. Remove wings and legs, separating drumsticks from thighs. Slice breast and arrange pieces and slices on a serving platter. (Note: use our turkey carving guide to brush up on your carving skills!)
- Gently warm remaining butter, drizzle some over meat, and serve with remaining butter and gravy.
Gone are the days of serving flavorless, dry turkey on Thanksgiving with this recipe. This sweet and spicy turkey recipe is a unique alternative to a traditionally-prepared Thanksgiving turkey. The combination of the smoky chipotle and sweet maple glaze, coupled with the richness of the herb-infused butter, creates an unforgettable flavor profile that will have your guests raving for years to come.
