If you want to spice up your holiday feast, a Thanksgiving Chipotle Turkey is a bold and flavorful choice. I still remember the first time I tried it—the smoky heat from the chipotle combined with the juicy turkey was unforgettable. It’s a creative twist on the traditional roast, bringing depth and warmth to every bite. With a smoky glaze, crispy golden skin, and tender meat, this turkey is sure to impress family and guests who love a little kick in their holiday meal.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
2 tbsp adobo sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups chicken or turkey broth
Instructions & Video
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat turkey dry and place on a roasting rack in a pan. In a bowl, combine butter, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, honey, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub half the mixture under the skin and the rest over the outside. Pour broth into the pan. Roast turkey for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 30–40 minutes with pan juices. Cover with foil if skin browns too quickly. Turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. Rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
Watch the step-by-step video in our video section.
Substitutions
Replace chipotle peppers with chili powder for a milder version. Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free glaze. Swap honey with maple syrup for a seasonal touch. Add orange juice in place of lime for a sweeter flavor balance.
Equipment
Roasting pan with rack
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Mixing bowl
Sharp carving knife
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze sliced turkey for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in oven with a splash of broth to keep meat moist.
Top Tips
Always pat turkey dry before seasoning for crispier skin. Rub glaze under the skin to boost flavor. Use foil to prevent burning while still achieving a deep golden crust. Save pan drippings to make a smoky chipotle gravy.
FAQs
Is chipotle turkey very spicy? It’s smoky with a mild heat, but you can reduce chipotle peppers for less spice.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes, prepare up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate.
What sides pair well with it? Sweet potatoes, cornbread, and cranberry sauce balance the smoky flavors.
Can I smoke this turkey instead of roasting? Absolutely—the chipotle glaze works beautifully in a smoker.
If you want to spice up your holiday feast, a Thanksgiving Chipotle Turkey is a bold and flavorful choice. I still remember the first time I tried it—the smoky heat from the chipotle combined with the juicy turkey was unforgettable. It’s a creative twist on the traditional roast, bringing depth and warmth to every bite. With a smoky glaze, crispy golden skin, and tender meat, this turkey is sure to impress family and guests who love a little kick in their holiday meal.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
2 tbsp adobo sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups chicken or turkey broth
Instructions & Video
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat turkey dry and place on a roasting rack in a pan. In a bowl, combine butter, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, honey, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub half the mixture under the skin and the rest over the outside. Pour broth into the pan. Roast turkey for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 30–40 minutes with pan juices. Cover with foil if skin browns too quickly. Turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. Rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
Watch the step-by-step video in our video section.
Substitutions
Replace chipotle peppers with chili powder for a milder version. Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free glaze. Swap honey with maple syrup for a seasonal touch. Add orange juice in place of lime for a sweeter flavor balance.
Equipment
Roasting pan with rack
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Mixing bowl
Sharp carving knife
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze sliced turkey for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in oven with a splash of broth to keep meat moist.
Top Tips
Always pat turkey dry before seasoning for crispier skin. Rub glaze under the skin to boost flavor. Use foil to prevent burning while still achieving a deep golden crust. Save pan drippings to make a smoky chipotle gravy.
FAQs
Is chipotle turkey very spicy? It’s smoky with a mild heat, but you can reduce chipotle peppers for less spice.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes, prepare up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate.
What sides pair well with it? Sweet potatoes, cornbread, and cranberry sauce balance the smoky flavors.
Can I smoke this turkey instead of roasting? Absolutely—the chipotle glaze works beautifully in a smoker.