Here’s the part that saves Thanksgiving: internal temperature. Ignore the pop-up timer—that thing lies.
Your target is 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Not the breast. The thigh.
Pro tip: pull the turkey out when the thigh hits 160°F, because it’ll keep cooking as it rests. Carryover heat is your secret weapon.
What About the Breast?
The breast cooks faster. Aim for 155°F to 160°F there, then let it coast to 165°F while you pour wine.
If you overcook the breast, it’s dry. Dry turkey is the enemy of joy. We’re not doing that today.