Keto Herb Butter Roast Turkey (or Chicken) is a juicy, flavorful low-carb holiday centerpiece coated in aromatic herb butter and roasted to golden perfection without the sugar or starches. This Keto Herb Butter Roast Turkey (or Chicken) recipe delivers tender meat, crisp skin, and clean keto ingredients perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, meal prep, and anyone wanting a classic festive roast that stays fully low carb and high in flavor.

About This Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about the sight of a beautifully roasted turkey (or chicken). It’s the centerpiece of every festive table — the golden skin, the aroma of herbs and butter filling the kitchen. Unfortunately, traditional versions often rely on sugar glazes or carb-heavy gravies that don’t fit into a keto lifestyle. This Keto Herb Butter Roast Turkey (or Chicken) delivers all that rich, comforting flavor — without a single gram of sugar.

At its core, this recipe is about layered flavor and texture. The bird is rubbed inside and out with a luscious compound butter made from softened butter, garlic, lemon zest, and a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. As it roasts, the butter slowly melts beneath the skin, basting the meat and locking in juiciness. The result? Perfectly crisp skin, tender meat, and an aroma that could make your neighbors jealous.

If you’re short on time or not feeding a crowd, the recipe works equally well with a whole chicken. The same herby butter, the same golden finish, just in a smaller, faster package. Either way, you get that restaurant-quality roast flavor that pairs beautifully with low-carb sides — like cauliflower mash, roasted Brussels sprouts, or buttery green beans.

The real magic is the simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or culinary school skills — just patience and a meat thermometer. The secret is starting hot to crisp the skin, then lowering the heat so the meat stays juicy. Brush with pan drippings halfway through, rest before carving, and watch your guests fall silent after the first bite.

It’s elegant enough for Thanksgiving, simple enough for Sunday dinner, and guaranteed to make you forget all about carb-heavy holiday meals.

Also Read: Thirty Birthday Cakes You Need to Try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🧈 Crispy, buttery skin with rich herb flavor
🦃 Works with turkey or chicken
🕒 Easy to prepare — just mix, rub, and roast
🧄 Perfect centerpiece for holidays or family dinners

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (10–12 lb) or whole chicken (4–5 lb)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup chicken or turkey broth (for basting)
Optional: extra herbs and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare bird: Pat turkey (or chicken) dry with paper towels, removing any moisture from the skin.
Make herb butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Loosen skin: Gently lift the skin over the breast and thighs, and rub half the butter mixture underneath the skin. Spread remaining butter over the entire surface of the bird.
Roast: Place in a roasting pan on a rack. Roast for 20 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Baste: Every 30 minutes, brush the bird with pan juices or melted butter. Add broth to the pan if it begins to dry out.
Check temperature: Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Rest and carve: Remove from oven, tent with foil, and rest for 20–30 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 380
Fat: 28 g
Protein: 32 g
Net Carbs: 1 g
Fiber: 0 g

FAQ

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Rub the herb butter under and over the skin up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate.
Can I use dried herbs?
You can, but fresh herbs give a brighter flavor and aroma. Use half the amount if substituting dried herbs.
Do I need to brine the turkey?
Not required — the herb butter keeps the meat moist and flavorful on its own.
What sides go best with this?
Cauliflower mash, roasted green beans, or keto cranberry sauce are perfect companions.

Variations & Substitutions

Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter for a deeper roasted flavor.
Use ghee instead of butter for a lactose-free version.
Swap lemon for orange zest for a festive twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted keto vegetables and drizzle with buttery pan juices. Pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

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