• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

This Vivacious Life logo

  • Welcome
    • About the vivacious girl…
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mocktails
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Charcuterie
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Welcome
    • About the Vivacious Girl…
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mocktails
  • Recipes
  • Entertaining
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
  • Charcuterie
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Thanksgiving Dinner » Gluten Free Turkey (the BEST)

    Gluten Free Turkey (the BEST)

    October 21, 2019 By Chandice | 4 Comments | Updated January 1, 2023

    this post may contain affiliate links

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    Gluten Free Turkey pin

    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.

    Turkey with herbs and lemons

    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.

    Subscribe to This Vivacious Life

    Receive a free e-book of Instant Pot recipes!

    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)
    Step by step photos of gluten-free turkey with herbs
    • 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 1/2-3 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!

    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.

    Piece of turkey being taken off the cooked bird

    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. 

    Overhead shot of herb turkey with mashed potatoes

    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.

    Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
    Take a look at my Sheet Pan Meals and More!

    NEED MORE GOODNESS? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for great recipes, entertaining ideas and more!

    Gluten Free Turkey

    gluten free turkey on a platter with herbs
    4.84 from 6 votes
    This gluten free turkey is absolutely the BEST turkey out there! It is moist and full of delicious herb flavors.
    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. 
    PRINT RECIPE SAVE RECIPESaved!
    Course: Chicken
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: gluten-free turkey, Thanksgiving, turkey
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 516kcal

    Ingredients

    • 16 lbs whole turkey
    • 1/2 C coconut oil
    • 1 large lemon, juiced
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
    • 1 tsp sage
    • 1 tbsp parsley
    • 1/2 tsp dill
    • 1 tsp Real Salt
    • 1/4 tsp Real Garlic Salt
    • 1/4 tsp Real Onion Salt
    • 1/4 tsp Black pepper

    Instructions

    • Combine lemon juice, coconut oil and garlic in a bowl, mix well
    • Rub coconut oil mixture all over turkey making sure to get in crevices and under skin if there is an opening
    • Mix all spices together in a bowl
    • 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 1/2-3 hrs. covered or until meat thermometer reads 185 degrees

    Notes

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

    Nutrition

    Serving: 16g | Calories: 516kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 70g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 232mg | Sodium: 579mg | Potassium: 731mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 3mg

    *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. 

    Share:

    Filed Under: Chicken and Poultry, Thanksgiving Dinner Tagged With: gluten-free turkey, thanksgiving, thanksgiving dinner, turkey

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

    FREEBIES

    Subscribe to receive a FREE e-book of Instant Pot Dinner Recipes!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Erin says

      October 29, 2019 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      This looks absolutely gorgeous and so juicy! So many great tips.

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        October 30, 2019 at 3:27 am

        Thanks! It is as delicious as it is beautiful. 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi there, I’m Chandice!

    I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

    Read More

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Freebies

    Subscribe to receive a FREE e-book of Instant Pot Dinner Recipes!

    Seasonal Recipes & Entertaining

    What is a mocktail? Hand pouring drink ingredient into a cup.

    What is a mocktail?

    Whole30 Ranch Dressing in a glass pitcher

    Whole30 Ranch Dressing (Dairy-Free)

    Three whole30 crab cakes on a white plate

    Whole30 Gluten-Free Crab Cakes

    Featured Posts

    Gluten-free crescent rolls on a plate

    Gluten-Free Crescent Rolls (The BEST Ever!)

    Grazing Table on butcher paper

    Grazing Table (Easy & Delicious!)

    Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls (the BEST) on a plate

    Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls (The BEST & Fluffiest!)

    Easy Tater Tot Casserole on a spoon

    Easy Tater Tot Casserole (Grandma’s Recipe)

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese in a bowl

    Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)

    gluten free ramen in a white bowl

    Gluten Free Ramen (the BEST!)

    Check out my e-book!

    Sheet Pan Meals and More gluten-free e-book

    Gluten Free on a Budget

    Our cookbook is now available right here!

    Footer

    As seen on

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Check out my web stories

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 This Vivacious Life