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Citrus Herb Turkey Breast Recipe

Citrus Herb Turkey Breast Recipe

5.2 from 23 reviews

This Citrus Herb Turkey Breast recipe features a succulent bone-in, skin-on turkey breast infused with a zesty and aromatic butter mixture made from fresh lemon and orange zest, rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic. Roasted to perfection with fresh citrus slices and onions, it offers a flavorful and moist centerpiece perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

  • 45 pound turkey breast, bone-in, skin-on

Citrus Herb Butter

  • 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

Aromatics and Roasting

  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Citrus Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, orange zest, finely chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a flavorful herb butter.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to allow it to properly warm up while you prepare the turkey.
  3. Loosen the Skin: Gently and carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast using your fingers, taking care not to tear the skin. This will allow the herb butter to penetrate and flavor the meat beneath.
  4. Apply Butter Under the Skin: Using about two-thirds of the citrus herb butter, spread it evenly beneath the turkey skin, coating the breast meat to infuse it with flavor and moisture.
  5. Apply Butter on Top: Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the turkey skin, ensuring a rich, flavorful crust.
  6. Arrange Aromatics in Roasting Pan: Place the quartered onion, lemon slices, and orange slices at the bottom of a roasting pan. Pour in the chicken broth to keep the environment moist and add additional flavor during roasting.
  7. Place Turkey Breast on Top: Set the prepared turkey breast atop the arranged aromatics, positioning it skin side up for even roasting.
  8. Roast in Oven: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with the pan juices to keep the meat moist.
  9. Rest Before Slicing: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier and easier to carve.
  10. Slice and Serve: Carve the turkey breast into slices and serve alongside the roasted citrus and herbs for a vibrant, aromatic meal.

Notes

  • For best results, let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid over or undercooking.
  • The citrus herb butter can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavors.
  • Leftover turkey breast slices are great for sandwiches or salads.
  • If chicken broth is unavailable, vegetable broth or white wine can be used as alternatives in the roasting pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, citrus herb turkey, roasted turkey, holiday turkey recipe, lemon orange turkey, herb butter turkey