Roasted Citrus and Herb Turkey Breast Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a juicy, flavorful centerpiece that’s surprisingly simple to make, you’re going to love this Roasted Citrus and Herb Turkey Breast Recipe. It’s a foolproof way to get tender turkey with bright citrus notes and fresh herbs that fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Trust me, once you try this, turkey breast will become your go-to—even beyond the holidays!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This is a recipe that shines because the ingredients are straightforward but thoughtfully chosen. The herbs lend an earthy freshness, while the citrus keeps things lively. A good quality turkey breast is the foundation, and the rest just brings it home.

• Boneless turkey breast (skin on): Skin on keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor as it roasts.
• Unsalted butter: Melted to spread easily, it forms a delicious, rich coating helping herbs stick.
• Lemon zest: Adds brightness and citrus oils that perk up the turkey’s natural flavor.
• Thyme: Offers earthy, slightly floral notes that pair beautifully with poultry.
• Sage: A classic turkey herb, warming and slightly peppery.
• Parsley: Freshness and color to balance richer flavors.
• Garlic: Minced for a subtle pungency that infuses the meat all the way through.
• Dry white wine: Keeps the meat moist during roasting and adds subtle acidity.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish and complements the zest perfectly.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Roasted Citrus and Herb Turkey Breast Recipe is so versatile—you can easily play around with herbs or swap the wine for chicken broth if you’d prefer. Don’t hesitate to tweak the citrus or garlic levels to suit your taste buds.

• Variation: I sometimes add a splash of orange zest along with lemon for a sweeter twist that’s absolutely delicious.
• Herb swaps: If you don’t have sage handy, rosemary or tarragon are fantastic alternatives in this recipe.
• Wine alternatives: White grape juice or chicken stock works well if you’d like a non-alcoholic option.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Roasted Citrus and Herb Turkey Breast Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Herb Butter Mixture

Start by melting your butter and combining it with lemon zest, minced garlic, thyme, sage, and parsley in a bowl. This fragrant butter is your flavor vehicle, so get your hands in there or use a pastry brush to make sure it gets all over the turkey breast. Don’t rush this step; coating every surface means even flavor.

Step 2: Season and Add the Liquids

Pour the dry white wine evenly around the turkey breast in the roasting pan, then drizzle the lemon juice on top. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. These layers add moisture and brightness—key to keeping the turkey juicy and flavorful while it roasts.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Set your oven to 400°F and roast the turkey breast uncovered for about 30 to 40 minutes. Here’s the golden rule: use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it hits 155°F, it’s time to pull it out. Resist the urge to slice right away—it needs to rest to lock in juices.

Step 4: Rest Before Slicing

Cover the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, it’ll keep cooking a bit, reaching the perfect 160°F. This rest period is the secret to avoiding dry turkey meat—trust the process, your patience will be rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth slices.

How to Serve Roasted Citrus and Herb Turkey Breast Recipe

Garnishes

I love to garnish my roasted turkey slices with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. It adds a fresh burst that matches the citrus herb notes perfectly—and it makes the plate look so inviting!

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and a crisp green salad. When I’m feeling indulgent, a side of buttery dinner rolls or a creamy herb gravy takes this meal to the next level.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the sliced turkey breast on a beautiful platter dotted with orange and lemon slices, fresh thyme sprigs, and cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color. It makes the roast feel festive and really impressive without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the turkey cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually get about 3-4 days of perfectly tasty turkey to enjoy without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftover turkey, slice it and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer, which is great for quick lunches or last-minute dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the turkey slices in a covered dish at 275°F in the oven to keep them moist, or pop them in a skillet with a splash of broth. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the juicy texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Citrus and Herb Turkey Breast Recipe has become a family favorite for me, and I’m excited for you to give it a try. It’s approachable, full of flavor, and wonderfully juicy—perfect for dinner parties or weeknight dinners when you want something special without the fuss. So go ahead, bring those fresh herbs and citrus out, and enjoy a turkey breast you’ll be proud to serve!

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