Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

Citrus Herb Turkey Breast is a delightful dish that elevates your dining experience with its refreshing blend of citrus and aromatic herbs. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests. The combination of juicy turkey breast infused with zesty lemon and orange flavors ensures that every bite is a burst of deliciousness. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary celebration that stands out on any table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh and Flavorful: The zesty citrus combined with fresh herbs creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you can prepare a stunning dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for holidays, special dinners, or even casual family meals.
• Tender and Juicy: The cooking method ensures that the turkey remains moist and flavorful throughout.
• Health-Conscious Choice: A lean protein option that’s lower in carbs while being high in flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create the Citrus Herb Turkey Breast, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Roasting pan: Provides even heat distribution for consistent cooking results.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your turkey reaches the perfect internal temperature without overcooking.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the herb mixture to coat the turkey evenly.
• Basting brush: Helps to apply butter and juices for extra moisture and flavor during cooking.

Ingredients

For the Turkey

• 4-5 pound turkey breast, bone-in, skin-on
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange

For the Herbs

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Aromatics

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

How to Make Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Herb Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, orange zest, rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.

Step 3: Coat the Turkey

Using your hands or a basting brush, spread the herb mixture evenly over the entire surface of the turkey breast. Make sure to get some under the skin for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Arrange Aromatics

Place the quartered onion in the bottom of a roasting pan. Lay lemon and orange slices on top of it. This will add moisture while infusing additional flavor into the turkey as it cooks.

Step 5: Roast

Position the coated turkey breast on top of the citrus slices in the roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep it moist. Roast in preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Once cooked, remove from oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices for a tender serving. Slice and enjoy your Citrus Herb Turkey Breast!

How to Serve Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

Serving Citrus Herb Turkey Breast can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments that complement its vibrant flavors.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Citrus Salad: A refreshing salad featuring mixed greens, avocado, and citrus segments.
• Herbed Quinoa Salad: Quinoa tossed with fresh herbs, diced vegetables, and a light lemon vinaigrette.

Accompany with Starchy Sides

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes caramelized in the oven, enhancing their natural sweetness.

Add Flavorful Sauces

• Cranberry Sauce: A tangy-sweet sauce that balances the savory turkey perfectly.
• Gravy: Rich turkey gravy made from drippings adds moisture and depth to the dish.

How to Perfect Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

To achieve the best results with your Citrus Herb Turkey Breast, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage provide a more intense flavor compared to dried herbs.
• Marinate Overnight: For maximum flavor infusion, let the turkey breast marinate in the citrus herb mixture overnight.
• Baste Regularly: Basting the turkey throughout cooking helps keep it moist and flavorful.
• Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow the turkey to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

Complement your Citrus Herb Turkey Breast with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile.

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables seasoned with garlic and herbs, roasted until tender.
2. Herb Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs and broth for added richness and flavor.
3. Creamed Spinach: Spinach sautéed in a creamy sauce that adds a luxurious touch to your plate.
4. Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with honey and butter, offering a delicious contrast to savory turkey.
5. Stuffing or Dressing: Savory stuffing filled with herbs, celery, and onion complements the citrus notes beautifully.
6. Braised Green Beans: Tender green beans cooked in broth until just crisp-tender for a fresh side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Citrus Herb Turkey Breast turns out perfectly, be mindful of these common mistakes.

• Boldly skip the brining step – Not brining your turkey breast can lead to a dry texture. A simple brine of water and salt for several hours will help retain moisture.
• Boldly ignore room temperature – Cooking a cold turkey breast straight from the fridge can result in uneven cooking. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting.
• Boldly overcooking the turkey – Using a meat thermometer is crucial. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to avoid dry meat.
• Boldly neglecting flavor marination – Rushing the marinating process can limit flavor absorption. Marinate overnight if possible for optimal taste.
• Boldly skipping the resting period – Cutting into the turkey immediately after cooking can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover turkey in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

• Oven – Preheat to 325°F (165°C). Cover with foil and heat until warm, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Place slices on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently.
• Stovetop – In a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth and cover. Heat on low until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Citrus Herb Turkey Breast.

What is Citrus Herb Turkey Breast?

Citrus Herb Turkey Breast is a flavorful dish that combines tender turkey with zesty citrus flavors and aromatic herbs, perfect for special occasions.

How do I prepare the marinade for Citrus Herb Turkey Breast?

To prepare the marinade, mix softened butter with lemon zest, orange zest, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Rub this mixture under the skin of the turkey breast before roasting.

Can I use other herbs in my Citrus Herb Turkey Breast?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley depending on your taste preferences.

What side dishes pair well with Citrus Herb Turkey Breast?

Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to complement its bright flavors.

Final Thoughts

Citrus Herb Turkey Breast is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for various occasions beyond holidays. You can customize it by adding your favorite spices or herbs. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a refreshing take on traditional turkey dishes!

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Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Citrus Herb Turkey Breast is a refreshing and flavorful dish that transforms your dining experience. Infused with zesty lemon and orange, this turkey breast is surrounded by a medley of aromatic herbs, creating a delicious centerpiece for any occasion—from holiday celebrations to casual family dinners. The juicy turkey, enhanced by fresh ingredients, promises a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers a health-conscious option packed with lean protein and vibrant taste. Elevate your next meal with this succulent herb-infused turkey roast that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat dry.
2. In a mixing bowl, blend softened butter with lemon zest, orange zest, fresh herbs, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Apply the herb mixture evenly over the turkey breast—don’t forget to get some under the skin.
4. Arrange quartered onion at the bottom of a roasting pan and lay lemon and orange slices on top.
5. Place the turkey on top of the citrus slices; pour chicken broth into the pan.
6. Roast for about 1 hour and 40 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 100 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 3 ounces (85g)
• Calories: 225
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 390mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 81mg