7 Secrets To Cooking a Perfect Turkey

A turkey pan will lift the turkey off the baking surface and will result in a more evenly cooked turkey. To ensure your turkey stays moist, apply ½" to 1” of chicken broth at the bottom of the turkey pan. The steam given off by the broth will help cook the turkey and keep it super moist.

Before you throw your turkey in the oven, give the turkey a 5 minute deep tissue massage. This may sound ridiculous, but it helps break up the fibers in the meat which will result is a more tender turkey. The key here is to apply plenty of pressure. Massage the breasts, thighs and legs.

After you wash and massage the turkey place it in the pan breast side up and apply a layer of melted butter all around the turkey.

The best time to season your turkey is before it goes in the oven. After you apply your layer of melted butter, apply seasoning. Your seasoning will stick to the butter and soak into the top layers of the turkey skin. Try seasoning with kosher salt, cracked pepper, chili powder, crushed red pepper and parsley.

A great way to finish off your turkey is to take it out of the oven about 10 minutes prior to finish and apply a layer of honey. Honey will give your turkey skin a great taste and compliments the seasonings well. Honey will also ensure your turkey skin is crisp, while leaving the meat tender.

The biggest mistake when cooking turkey is overcooking. White meat is delicate; once it’s overcooked you won’t be able to bring the juice back into the turkey meat. Read the instructions on your turkey packaging carefully, set your timer and don't allow your turkey to overcook.

Once your turkey is done cooking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about twelve minutes before carving. This will allow the juices in the turkey to settle and will keep the meat moist. While your turkey is resting, take some of the juice from the bottom of the pan and glaze it over the skin.