Description
This roasted turkey breast is a flavorful and impressive dish, featuring a blend of fresh herbs and zesty lemon. With its crispy skin and juicy meat, it’s an easy-to-make centerpiece for any gathering, perfect for serving 6-8 people.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (4-5 pound) bone-in turkey breast, skin on
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
Instructions
- Thaw the Turkey: If your turkey breast is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, black pepper, paprika, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until it forms a paste.
- Apply the Seasoning: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the seasoning mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining mixture all over the skin.
- Prepare the Roasting Pan: Place a rack in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth into the bottom.
- Position the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast, skin side up, on the rack in the roasting pan.
- Roasting the Turkey: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. Roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting every 30 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking the temperature after 1.5 hours. Tent with aluminum foil if the skin is browning too quickly.
- Resting the Turkey: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
- Carving the Turkey: Place the turkey on a cutting board and carve along the breastbone to remove the meat in large pieces, then slice into thick slices.
- Serving Suggestions: Arrange sliced turkey on a platter, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with fresh herbs.
- Side Dishes: Serve with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, or stuffing.
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in a baking dish with a splash of chicken broth or water, covered with foil, in a 325°F (165°C) oven.
Notes
- Choosing the Right Turkey: Opt for a bone-in turkey breast for the best flavor and moisture.
- Basting: Basting helps keep the turkey moist and adds flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes