why make this recipe
Citrus Herb Turkey Breast is a delightful dish that infuses juicy turkey with zesty flavors. The combination of lemon, orange, and fresh herbs creates a beautiful aroma and taste. This recipe is perfect for holidays, special gatherings, or any time you want to impress your family and friends.
how to make Citrus Herb Turkey Breast
Ingredients:
- 4-5 pound turkey breast, bone-in, skin-on
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions:
Prepare the Citrus Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix the softened butter, lemon zest, orange zest, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Prepare the Turkey Breast: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast with your fingers. Spread the citrus herb butter under the skin, making sure to cover the meat evenly.
Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey breast on a roasting pan. Arrange the quartered onion and sliced lemon and orange around it. Pour the chicken broth into the pan. Roast the turkey in the oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey occasionally with the pan juices for extra flavor and moisture.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute leading to a juicier turkey.
how to serve Citrus Herb Turkey Breast
Serve the Citrus Herb Turkey Breast sliced with the roasted onion and citrus slices on the side. You can also pair it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or green beans for a complete meal.
how to store Citrus Herb Turkey Breast
If you have leftover turkey, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the turkey for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or freezer bags.
tips to make Citrus Herb Turkey Breast
- Make sure to thaw your turkey breast in the refrigerator a day or two before you plan to cook it.
- Let the butter mixture sit at room temperature for a bit to make it easier to spread under the skin.
- You can add more herbs according to your taste, like parsley or dill.
variation
For a smoky flavor, consider adding smoked paprika to the butter mixture, or try using different citrus like lime or grapefruit for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use a boneless turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just reduce the cooking time, cooking until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
2. How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast. It should be 165°F (75°C).
3. Can I prepare the butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the citrus herb butter a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Citrus Herb Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Citrus Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 each lemon, zest
- 1 each orange, zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Turkey Preparation
- 4-5 pound turkey breast, bone-in, skin-on
- 1 each onion, quartered
- 1 each lemon, sliced
- 1 each orange, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, lemon zest, orange zest, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast with your fingers. Spread the citrus herb butter under the skin, making sure to cover the meat evenly.
Roasting
- Place the turkey breast on a roasting pan. Arrange the quartered onion and sliced lemon and orange around it. Pour the chicken broth into the pan.
- Roast the turkey in the oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey occasionally with the pan juices for extra flavor and moisture.
Serving
- Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute leading to a juicier turkey.