A brown sugar chili butter infuses our Sweet and Spicy Roasted Turkey as it roasts. Buttery notes and a hint of spice balanced with a touch of sweetness make every forkful a delight.
There’s no denying that your roasted turkey is the belle of the ball on Thanksgiving. The crowning glory on your table that all the side dishes adorn is actually good for you!
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Spicy Turkey
Rich in protein, just 4 ounces of turkey provides about 35 grams of protein with less than 1 gram of total fat, providing a whopping 65 percent of your recommended daily intake of protein!
Also considered a very good source of essential amino acids, turkey contains trace minerals thought to aid in cancer prevention, as well as selenium, which is essential for the healthy function of the thyroid and immune system.
Then there’s that essential amino acid in turkey called L-tryptophan that creates a feeling of relaxation and causes snoring after the feast!
Oh and don’t forget that turkey is also a good source of vitamins B3 and B6, providing 36 percent of the daily allowance of B3 and 27 percent of your recommended intake of B6.
Yes, turkey isn’t just the belle of the ball, it’s also the king of nutrition!
A brown sugar chili powder butter infuses our turkey under the skin as it roasts.
Sweet and spicy notes flavor the turkey and butter helps give it a crispy flavorful skin.
So carve up some turkey, enjoy a Sweet ‘N Spicy slice and then take your L-tryptophan-induced nap! Happy Thanksgiving!
Round out your turkey dinner with our homemade cranberry sauce, apple stuffing, mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts!
You can also stir some homemade turkey rub into the spicy butter for added flavor.
And if you happen to have any leftover turkey, be sure to make our Turkey Enchiladas recipe. You'll be happy you did!
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Be sure to visit the Swirls of Flavor Amazon Storefront for GG's kitchen recommendations!
Swirls of Flavor Recipe Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to check when your turkey is done
- Always let your turkey rest after roasting and before carving
- Be sure your turkey is completely thawed before roasting
- Cook your turkey 15-20 minutes per pound when roasting
- Roast turkey until juices run clear and meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 180F and inserted in breast reads 170F
- Baste your turkey occasionally with pan drippings as it's roasting
Substitutions
- Light brown sugar will work well in place of the darl brown sugar
- Substitute ancho chili pepper for the chili powder for a smoky flavor
How to roast a turkey
Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below
- Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange metal rack in roasting pan.
- In a bowl combine brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt and butter until blended.
- Spread butter mixture under and over the turkey skin. This step can be done ahead. Then refrigerate turkey until ready to roast.
- Roast the turkey until juices run clear and meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 180F and inserted in breast reads 170F, basting occasionally with pan drippings. Allow 15-20 minutes of roasting time per pound.
- Let turkey rest 15 minutes before carving.
Ingredients
Ingredients for roasted turkey
- dark brown sugar
- chili powder
- garlic powder
- kosher salt
- butter
- turkey
Side dish recipes for Thanksgiving
Sweet and Spicy Roast Turkey Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 6 Tablespoons butter , at room temperature
- 1 (12 lb.) turkey
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Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange metal rack in roasting pan.
- In bowl combine brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt and butter until blended.
- Spread butter mixture under and over the turkey skin. This step can be done ahead. Then refrigerate turkey until ready to roast.
- Roast turkey until juices run clear and meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 180F and inserted in breast reads 170F, basting occasionally with pan drippings.
- Allow 15-20 minutes of roasting time per pound. Let turkey rest 15 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check when your turkey is done
- Always let your turkey rest after roasting and before carving
- Be sure your turkey is completely thawed before roasting
- Cook your turkey 15-20 minutes per pound when roasting
- Roast turkey until juices run clear and meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 180F and inserted in breast reads 170F
- Baste your turkey occasionally with pan drippings as it's roasting
- Light brown sugar will work well in place of the darl brown sugar
- Substitute ancho chili pepper for the chili powder for a smoky flavor
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