Gluten Free Turkey (the BEST)

Gluten free turkey is easier than you think. Ours is loaded up with delicious coconut oil and herbs for the most moist and flavorful bird you've ever had!

This recipe works for whole turkeys, bone-in turkey breasts or even boneless turkey breasts. It's great for those with celiac disease or food allergies and those following a gluten-free diet since we only use gluten-free products that you can find at your regular grocery store.

Is turkey gluten-free?

The good news is that turkey is a gluten-free food naturally and doesn't typically have wheat flour on it. However, in order to secure that your turkey is entirely gluten-free, just buy a whole fresh or frozen turkey, nothing added.

The main ingredients of this dish should be turkey. Always check the brine as well. Or learn how to brine a turkey yourself.

Watch for additives, flavor enhances, spices and rubs that aren't labeled gluten free. Also, most birds aren't but be sure not to get a stuffed bird or one with gravy.

You can easily make our homemade gluten free gravy, sausage apple gluten free stuffing or one of the delicious stuffings featured in our list of the best gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes. 

Our gluten free green bean casserole with homemade fried onions (or just plain green beans), cranberry sauce are another hit with this turkey!

How to make gluten-free Thanksgiving turkey

• Combine lemon juice, coconut oil and garlic in a bowl, mix well

Pro Tip: Fresh lemon juice is always best

• Rub coconut oil mixture all over turkey making sure to get in crevices and under skin if there is an opening

Pro Tip: Heat the coconut oil slightly if you need to in order to make it easier to rub on the turkey

• Mix all spices together in a bowl (you can get creative with what you like using here)

• Gently sprinkle spices evenly over the coconut oil rubbed bird
• Massage spices into the turkey until covered all over
• Place on a rack in a roasting pan and bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour uncovered then 2 ½-3 hrs. covered or until meat thermometer reads 185 degrees

Herbs for Turkey

Really, this is the time to get creative with your tastes. While we like to use rosemary, sage, parsley and dill, you can use anything you like! You can even use this easy turkey brine recipe with it.

Parsley, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder and smoked paprika are some other spices that may be just what you need. You can even use gluten-free gravy packets.

How to make turkey extra moist

The coconut oil really makes this turkey moist! You can skimp if you want but I recommend being liberal with it. You can also use olive oil.

Yes, you will have added fat but it is a good quality fat in my opinion. You will also have TONS more flavor and a very moist bird. You can also smother the sliced meat in gluten-free turkey gravy.

Leftover Turkey Recipes

You will likely have at least a little bit of turkey leftovers the next day. They are wonderful for using in our rolled tacos or our on gluten-free bread as a delicious sandwich.

If you want to get even more creative, give this delicious white cream, turkey and cranberry pizza a go! Simply Gluten-Free also has a tasty turkey leftover soup or make it more decadent with this creamy turkey soup or turkey tetrazzini recipe. 

If you love this turkey, you are also going to love these other fall recipes...

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie Cream Delight

Crockpot Apple Cider

Gluten-Free Biscuits

Instant Pot Pork Chops with Cinnamon Apples

And if you want some more turkey, be sure to try our Instant Pot Meatballs recipe to make gluten-free turkey meatballs using ground turkey. You will mix the meat mixture (include almond flour if you prefer not use bread crumbs) in a large bowl then roll into balls and either cook in the Instant Pot or on a baking sheet in the oven. You can also cook them on the stove top over medium heat.

*This post was originally posted November 7, 2009! It has been a favorite of ours and so we've updated it with photos, more information and detailed instructions.