Description
Perfectly juicy citrus herb turkey breast infused with bright orange, lemon, and aromatic fresh herbs. This foolproof recipe guarantees moist, tender turkey with golden-brown exterior using a simple marinade and basting technique. Never suffer through dry turkey again this method works for weeknight dinners and holiday feasts alike.
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
1 bone-in turkey breast (3–4 lbs) or boneless (2–3 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Citrus Herb Marinade:
Zest and juice of 2 large oranges
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
Zest and juice of 1 lime
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Herb Butter:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Zest of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
1. If using frozen turkey, thaw completely in refrigerator (24 hours per 4-5 pounds). Pat turkey completely dry with paper towels.
2. Make marinade: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine orange zest and juice, lemon zest and juice, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until well combined.
3. Place turkey in marinade, turning to coat completely. If bone-in with skin, work some marinade under the skin. Seal and refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, or overnight (8-12 hours) for best results. Turn occasionally if possible.
4. Remove marinated turkey from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Position rack in center of oven.
6. Make herb butter: Mix softened butter with parsley, thyme, lemon zest, minced garlic, and salt until well combined.
7. Pat turkey dry after marinating. For bone-in turkey with skin, carefully loosen skin and spread herb butter underneath, directly on the meat. For skinless turkey, brush herb butter all over the surface.
8. Place turkey breast-side up in roasting pan or on rack set in rimmed baking sheet. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
9. Roast turkey, allowing approximately 20 minutes per pound for bone-in (15 minutes per pound for boneless). For a 3-pound bone-in breast, plan for about 60 minutes total cooking time.
10. Baste turkey every 20 minutes with pan juices or additional herb butter to maintain moisture.
11. Insert instant-read thermometer into thickest part of breast (avoiding bone). Turkey is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
12. If skin browns too quickly before reaching safe temperature, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
13. Remove turkey from oven when thermometer reads 165°F. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Internal temperature will rise about 5 degrees during resting.
14. Carve against the grain into ½-inch slices. Serve with pan juices or gravy.
Notes
Fresh turkey provides best texture and flavor, but thawed frozen turkey works perfectly.
Don’t skip the marinade—minimum 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Use an instant-read thermometer to prevent overcooking—this is crucial for juicy turkey.
Baste every 20 minutes during roasting to build flavor and maintain moisture.
Always let turkey rest 15-20 minutes before carving to redistribute juices throughout the meat.
Store leftover turkey in airtight containers with a bit of pan juice or broth for up to 4 days refrigerated.
Reheat gently at 325°F covered to prevent drying out—never exceed 165°F when reheating.
For boneless turkey breast, reduce cooking time by about 5 minutes per pound.
The citrus marinade also works beautifully for chicken breasts, Cornish hens, or even pork tenderloin.
Save pan drippings to make incredible gravy—deglaze with chicken stock and reduce until thickened.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: citrus turkey, herb turkey breast, roasted turkey, thanksgiving turkey, juicy turkey recipe