Southwestern Turkey
For Thanksgiving this year, why not try a unique main dish instead of the traditional turkey? Southwestern turkey has a unique taste with fresh cilantro, cumin, chipotle pepper rub and a spicy gravy. Give this turkey recipe a try!
Notes
If you're looking for a new way to prepare your Thanksgiving bird, check out The Top 41 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes for more great ideas!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
1. Bold Flavors: The Southwestern turkey recipe is bursting with bold and spicy flavors that will impress your taste buds. The combination of fresh cilantro, cumin, chipotle pepper rub, and spicy gravy creates a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
2. Unique Twist on Tradition: Instead of serving the same old turkey for Thanksgiving, switch things up with this Southwestern twist. Your guests will be pleasantly surprised by the unexpected flavors and will appreciate the creativity you bring to the table.
3. Easy to Prepare: Despite its complex flavors, the Southwestern turkey recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. Simply rub the seasonings onto the turkey, roast it in the oven, and serve with the spicy gravy. It's a hassle-free way to elevate your Thanksgiving meal.
4. Crowd-Pleasing Dish: This recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of spices and flavors appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a crowd-pleaser for any holiday gathering. You can't go wrong with a dish that everyone will love.
5. Leftover Potential: One of the best parts about making a whole turkey is the leftovers! Use the leftover Southwestern turkey to make delicious turkey sandwiches, salads, or soups in the days following Thanksgiving. It's a versatile dish that keeps on giving.
Preparation Time20 min
Cooking Time3 hr 40 min
Ingredients
- Turkey:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, sofened
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
- 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 8 garlic cloves
- 2 chipotles en adobo, minced
- 1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, giblets removed
- Spicy Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 chipotle en adobo, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- salt to taste
Instructions
For Southwestern Turkey:
- Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Combine butter, cilantro, cumin, salt, zest, juice, garlic, and chipotles in a medium bowl. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until well blended and smooth.
- Insert fingers between skin and flesh of turkey to loosen skin; rub butter mixture under the skin of the turkey. Place turkey, breast-side up, on a wire rack in a roasting pan. Cook, basting with pan drippings, 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F; continue cooking, basting every 30 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest portion of turkey breast registers 165 degrees F, 3¼ to 3½ hours. Let turkey stand 10 minutes before slicing.
For Spicy Gravy:
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add chipotle and cream; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid is reduced by half, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Skim off and discard fat from pan drippings. Add remaining pan drippings (you should have about ¾ cup) to the cream mixture; cook an additional minute. Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice; season with salt to taste. Serve along with turkey.
