Name: Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h 15 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14-16) pound turkey, giblets and neck removed; 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons fresh sage, plus more for stuffing the bird; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, plus more for stuffing the bird; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley; Zest of 1 lemon; 3 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper; 1 piece large double lined cheesecloth; 2 lemons, halved; 1 head garlic, tips sliced off; 1 onion, halved; 7-8 cups low sodium chicken or turkey broth; 1 cup white wine, divided; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; Drippings from the turkey; 2-3 cups low sodium chicken or turkey broth, as needed; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 75 reviews

If you’re craving a centerpiece that feels both comforting and impressively elegant, the Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish transforms a classic roast into a flavor-packed showstopper, where fragrant herbs and creamy butter create a tender, golden turkey that’s juicy with every bite, and the white wine pan gravy adds that luxurious finish. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a special Sunday dinner, this recipe captures the heart of traditional home cooking with a fresh, vibrant twist.

Ingredients You'll Need

A whole raw chicken sits in a shiny metal roasting pan with golden handles, covered with chopped herbs and spices, with a few garlic cloves and herb sprigs scattered around the bird in the pan. Around the pan on a white marbled textured surface are whole garlic bulbs, a small bowl of coarse salt, a small container of pepper, some leafy green herbs, and small onions, creating a rustic cooking scene. The lighting highlights the textures of the chicken skin and herbs clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step toward crafting this delicious dish. Each element plays a vital role, from the herbs infusing bright aromas to the butter ensuring a beautifully crispy skin and moist interior. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy Recipe to life.

1 (14-16) pound turkey, giblets and neck removed: Choosing a good-sized bird ensures plenty of tender meat for your feast.
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature: This is the secret to moist, flavorful skin and the base for your delicious gravy.
2 tablespoons fresh sage, plus more for stuffing: Sage provides an earthy, herbal depth that’s indispensable in poultry dishes.
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, plus more for stuffing: Thyme adds a lively, slightly sweet fragrance that complements the turkey perfectly.
3 tablespoons fresh parsley: Parsley brightens the herb mix with its fresh green notes.
Zest of 1 lemon: The zest lifts the flavor, adding a lovely citrusy brightness.
3 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors and seasoning the meat thoroughly.
1 ½ teaspoons black pepper: Just enough pepper to add warmth without overpowering.
1 large double-lined cheesecloth: Keeps the butter coating in place and helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
2 lemons, halved: To stuff inside the turkey cavity for added moisture and aroma.
1 garlic head, tips sliced off: Roasting garlic inside the bird infuses mellow, sweet notes.
1 onion, halved: Adds savory background flavor inside the cavity.
7-8 cups low sodium chicken or turkey broth: Provides moisture and forms the base of your gravy.
1 cup white wine: For deglazing the roasting pan and enriching the gravy’s flavor.
4 tablespoons salted butter: Used in the gravy for a rich, velvety finish.
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the pan gravy perfectly.
Drippings from the turkey: The ultimate flavor source for the gravy.
2-3 cups low sodium chicken or turkey broth, as needed: To adjust gravy consistency.
1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage: Added to the gravy for an extra herbal punch.
Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste: Final seasoning to balance your gravy.

How to Make Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Turkey

Start by taking your turkey out of the fridge at least an hour before roasting to let it come to room temperature—this ensures even cooking. Remove the giblets and neck, and then get your herb butter ready by mixing one stick of butter with fresh sage, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This fragrant butter is what will make your turkey skin golden and the meat irresistibly flavorful.

Step 2: Seasoning and Buttering the Bird

Preheat your oven to 450°F and place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Season the turkey’s cavity generously with salt and pepper, then stuff it with halved lemons, garlic, and onion, which will steam inside and keep the meat juicy. Gently lift the skin away from the meat and rub your herb butter under the skin, then spread some over the skin itself for maximum flavor. Melt the remaining butter and soak a double-lined cheesecloth in it, then drape this over the turkey—this will help lock in moisture and create a crispy skin as it roasts.

Step 3: Roasting the Turkey

Pour four cups of broth into the roasting pan and place your turkey in the oven. Roast for 45 minutes at 450°F, then lower the temperature to 350°F for about two more hours. During the process, add 1 to 2 cups more broth halfway through and baste the turkey a couple of times with the drippings, rotating the pan for even cooking. Use a thermometer and remove the turkey once it hits 160°F. Let it rest covered loosely with foil for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Step 4: Making the White Wine Pan Gravy

While the turkey rests, strain the roasting pan liquid, skim the fat by chilling the broth briefly, and collect about 4-5 cups of drippings and broth combined. Place the pan over two burners, add half a cup of white wine to deglaze, scraping up all the tasty browned bits. Whisk in butter and then flour, cooking until golden and fragrant. Add the remaining wine and gradually whisk in your broth mixture until smooth. Stir in fresh sage and cook until thickened, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm alongside your stunning turkey.

How to Serve Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy Recipe

A whole roasted chicken with golden brown, crispy skin seasoned with black pepper and herbs sits in a black roasting pan with a rack. The chicken's legs are tied together with string, and fresh green herbs poke out from underneath the bird. The cooking pan contains natural juices that add a glossy shine to the chicken's surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing completes this dish like a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs! Add a handful of chopped parsley or thyme on top of the sliced turkey for a burst of green freshness that also enhances the aroma. Thin lemon slices or wedges on the side can brighten every bite and provide a gorgeous presentation.

Side Dishes

This Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy, roasted root vegetables for sweetness and texture, and a crisp green salad to add some lightness. Cranberry sauce or a tart fruit chutney also offer the perfect sweet-tart contrast to the rich, savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly memorable presentation, carve the turkey into beautiful, even slices and arrange on a large wooden board layered with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Serve the warm gravy in a rustic gravy boat to let guests drizzle as they please. Or, for a cozy family-style meal, place the whole turkey on a platter surrounded by roasted veggies and fresh herbs, inviting everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, wrap leftover turkey tightly in foil or place in airtight containers to keep it moist and fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to store the gravy separately to preserve its delicate flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep the turkey longer, slice it into portions and freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Freeze your white wine pan gravy separately in smaller batches so you can thaw just the right amount when needed.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftovers at their best, gently reheat turkey slices covered with a little broth or gravy in the oven or on the stovetop to prevent drying out. Warm the gravy slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and heated through.

FAQs

Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! The herb butter can be made a day or two in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the fridge. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully, making your turkey even more flavorful.

Do I need to baste the turkey while roasting?

Basting is great for keeping the skin glossy and moist, but since the butter and cheesecloth lock in so much moisture, you can skip it if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the pan liquid to prevent burning and add broth as needed.

What type of white wine works best for the gravy?

A dry, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly. Avoid sweeter wines as they can alter the savory balance of the gravy.

Can I use a brined turkey with this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll want to reduce the added salt in the herb butter and seasoning since brined birds are already salty. Taste and adjust accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Certainly! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the gravy. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy Recipe is a beautiful way to elevate a traditional roast into something truly special that feels both homemade and gourmet. It’s a dish you’ll want to come back to year after year, delighting everyone at your table with rich flavors and luscious textures. Give it a try and create a meal full of warmth, love, and incredible taste!

Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need