Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

Imagine the tantalizing aroma of zesty citrus and fragrant herbs infusing a perfectly tender, juicy Citrus Herb Turkey Breast as it roasts to golden perfection. This show-stopping dish combines the bright flavors of orange, lemon, and lime with a harmonious blend of fresh herbs to create a turkey that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re hosting a smaller holiday gathering or simply craving a delicious weekend dinner, this Citrus Herb Turkey Breast delivers impressive flavor without the fuss of cooking a whole bird. You’ll learn exactly how to achieve that perfectly moist texture, create a flavor-packed herb butter, and master the art of roasting a turkey breast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Citrus Herb Turkey Breast recipe stands out from traditional preparations in so many delicious ways. The magical combination of citrus and herbs creates a perfect balance of bright, fresh flavors that complement the tender meat beautifully. You’ll appreciate how the butter-basted skin crisps up to a gorgeous golden brown while the meat beneath stays remarkably succulent – no more dried-out turkey!

The preparation is refreshingly straightforward, making this an approachable option even for those who find cooking poultry intimidating. Unlike a whole turkey that can monopolize your oven for hours, this breast portion cooks more quickly while still creating that irresistible holiday aroma throughout your home.

Perhaps best of all, this versatile turkey breast recipe works year-round, not just during the holidays. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for a Sunday dinner that will provide delicious leftovers for sandwiches and salads throughout the week.

Ingredients

For this succulent Citrus Herb Turkey Breast, you’ll need:

• 1 bone-in turkey breast (4-5 pounds/1.8-2.3 kg)
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

The star ingredients are the fresh herbs and citrus elements. Use fresh herbs whenever possible as they provide significantly more flavor than dried alternatives. For the citrus, organic fruits work best since you’ll be using the zest, which contains essential oils that give this herb-infused turkey breast its signature brightness.

Pro Tips

Room Temperature Matters: Always allow your turkey breast to rest at room temperature for about 1 hour before cooking. This crucial step ensures even cooking throughout the meat. A cold turkey breast straight from the refrigerator will cook unevenly, with the exterior potentially drying out before the center reaches the proper temperature.

Butter Under the Skin: Don’t skip the step of loosening the skin and applying herb butter directly against the meat. This technique is transformative for your Citrus Herb Turkey Breast, as it allows the flavors to penetrate deeply while keeping the meat incredibly moist. Work slowly and use your fingers to create a pocket between the skin and meat, being careful not to tear the skin.

Proper Temperature Testing: Invest in a good meat thermometer and check for doneness by inserting it into the thickest part of the breast without touching bone. The turkey is done when it reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) – not a degree less for safety, not many degrees more or it will dry out. Remember that the temperature will continue rising about 5 degrees during resting time, so you can remove it from the oven at 160°F (71°C).

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Remove the Citrus Herb Turkey Breast from the refrigerator about 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels – this helps achieve that beautiful golden skin we’re aiming for. Place the turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan fitted with a rack. The rack elevates the turkey, allowing heat to circulate and the skin to crisp evenly.

Step 2: Create the Citrus Herb Butter
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, orange zest, lemon zest, lime zest, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon lime juice. Add the salt and pepper, then mix until thoroughly combined. This vibrant, aromatic mixture will be your flavor powerhouse. The softened butter should easily incorporate all those fantastic herbs and citrus elements.

Step 3: Apply the Herb Butter
Here’s where the magic happens! Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast by sliding your fingers between the skin and meat, creating a pocket. Gently work your way around without tearing the skin. Take about two-thirds of your prepared citrus herb butter and spread it evenly under the skin, directly against the meat. Massage the outside of the skin to distribute the butter evenly. Rub the remaining butter mixture over the outside of the turkey breast.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Roast
Pour the chicken broth and the remaining citrus juices into the bottom of the roasting pan. This creates a flavorful base for basting and eventually for an incredible sauce. Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). For a 4-5 pound breast, this typically takes 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Step 5: Baste and Rest
Baste your Citrus Herb Turkey Breast with the pan juices every 30 minutes during cooking. This keeps the skin moist and adds another layer of flavor. Once done, transfer the turkey to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing. This resting period is non-negotiable – it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.

Variations

Spicy Citrus Turkey: Give your Citrus Herb Turkey Breast a kick by adding 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the herb butter. The heat from the pepper flakes creates an exciting contrast with the bright citrus flavors, while the smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky undertone that complements the herbs beautifully.

Mediterranean Style: Transform this recipe into a Mediterranean feast by replacing the herbs with 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, 1 tablespoon fresh mint, and 1 tablespoon fresh parsley. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1/2 teaspoon of coriander to the butter mixture. This variation creates a wonderfully aromatic herb turkey breast that pairs perfectly with Greek-inspired sides like lemon potatoes or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.

Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, create an equally delicious citrus marinated turkey breast by replacing the butter with 6 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to help emulsify the marinade and enhance flavor. The result is still incredibly moist and flavorful, with a slightly different but equally delicious texture to the skin.

Storage and Serving

Properly stored, your Citrus Herb Turkey Breast will remain delicious for several days. Allow leftovers to cool completely before refrigerating in airtight containers or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil. The turkey will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, slice the meat, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Serve your freshly roasted turkey with a drizzle of the strained and reduced pan juices for an instant sauce that perfectly complements the meat. For a complete meal, pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, which will soak up all those delicious juices, and a bright arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus notes in the turkey.

For a stunning presentation, arrange slices on a platter garnished with fresh herb sprigs and citrus wheels. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also gives guests a hint of the flavors they’re about to enjoy. For a casual next-day option, nothing beats a sandwich made with leftover Citrus Herb Turkey Breast, avocado, and a swipe of cranberry sauce on artisan bread.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, though the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant. If using dried herbs, reduce the quantities by two-thirds (1 tablespoon fresh equals 1 teaspoon dried) since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How do I know when my turkey breast is done without a thermometer?
While a thermometer is strongly recommended for food safety, you can also check by piercing the thickest part – the juices should run clear with no pinkness. The meat should feel firm but still have a slight spring when pressed.

Can I prepare the citrus herb butter in advance?
Absolutely! The butter can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before applying to the turkey for easy spreading.

Is this recipe suitable for a boneless turkey breast?
Yes, but cooking times will be shorter. A 3-pound boneless breast typically cooks in about an hour. The technique remains the same, though you may need slightly less herb butter.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Prepare as directed, then cook on low for 5-6 hours until it reaches 165°F. You won’t get the same crispy skin, but you can place it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes after slow cooking to crisp it up.

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