If you are looking for a way to elevate your poultry game, this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus and Herb Marinade Recipe is an absolute must-try. The beautiful marriage of fresh herbs, zesty citrus, and a hint of honey creates a marinade that infuses the turkey breast with incredible flavor and tenderness. Roasting it to juicy perfection ensures every bite is mouthwatering, making this recipe a showstopper for family dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is simple, yet each component plays an essential role in crafting a dish bursting with vibrant tastes and appealing textures. From the aromatic herbs to the bright citrus elements, these ingredients come together to create a well-rounded flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting.
- Boneless turkey breast (about 3 pounds): The star of the dish, providing tender, lean meat perfect for roasting.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to keep the turkey moist and carries the flavors of the marinade beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Adds a depth of pungent, savory flavor that complements the herbs.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings piney, earthy notes to the marinade, enhancing the turkey’s aroma.
- Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a subtle floral and slightly minty touch that works well with poultry.
- Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, chopped): Gives a warm, savory edge that ties the herb medley together.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Adds bright citrus oils that awaken the palate and balance the richness of the turkey.
- Zest of 1 orange: Introduces sweet and tangy notes that enhance the marinade’s complexity.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): Provides acidity to tenderize the meat and brighten flavors.
- Fresh orange juice (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and moisture while complementing the herbaceous elements.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Lends a subtle tang and a bit of heat that enhances overall depth.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity with a touch of natural sweetness for a well-rounded marinade.
- Salt (1.5 teaspoons): Essential for seasoning and amplifying all the other flavors.
- Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
How to Make Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus and Herb Marinade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, lemon and orange zest, citrus juices, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl. This lively mixture is the foundation for imparting extraordinary flavor throughout the turkey breast.
Step 2: Marinate the Turkey
Pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade sticks well. Place the turkey in a large dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure every inch is generously coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer the turkey and marinade to a resealable bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the herbs and citrus to deeply penetrate the meat for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the turkey breast from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and position it on a roasting rack inside a baking dish. Discard the leftover marinade. Roast the turkey for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches a juicy 165°F. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to prevent burning while still cooking evenly.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once roasted, take the turkey out of the oven and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This crucial step gives time for the meat’s juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice remains moist and succulent. Then slice and get ready to enjoy this fabulous feast!
How to Serve Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus and Herb Marinade Recipe
Garnishes
Complement your beautifully roasted turkey with vibrant garnishes such as fresh herb sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or sage to echo the marinade flavors. Thin slices of lemon or orange zest scattered on top add a delightful pop of color and a hint of fresh citrus aroma that will make your presentation shine.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that allow the turkey’s flavors to be the star. Consider creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a touch of elegance, a wild rice pilaf dotted with toasted nuts or dried cranberries complements the citrus and herb notes splendidly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the sliced turkey breast on a rustic wooden board artistically arranged with colorful citrus wedges and fresh herbs. Or create a layered platter with sliced turkey, artisanal bread, and an array of cheeses and fruit preserves for an inviting buffet-style meal that encourages guests to indulge and share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover turkey breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To keep it moist, place a damp paper towel over the slices before sealing. This ensures the turkey remains flavorful and ready to enjoy in sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
Freezing
If you want to preserve your cooked turkey for longer, slice it and freeze the portions in airtight freezer bags for up to 2 months. Make sure to label the bags with the date so you can enjoy your Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus and Herb Marinade Recipe fresh even weeks down the road.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the turkey slices with foil and warm in an oven at 300°F for 15–20 minutes or until heated through, which helps maintain juiciness. Alternatively, a quick microwave reheat covered with a damp paper towel can do the trick, but be careful not to overheat and dry out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use a bone-in turkey breast. Just keep in mind it may require a longer roasting time to reach the proper internal temperature, but the bone can add extra flavor and moisture to the meat.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs available?
While fresh herbs bring the best flavor, dried herbs can be substituted if necessary. Use about one-third of the amount of dried rosemary, thyme, and sage, and be sure to crush them to release their aroma before mixing into the marinade.
Is it okay to marinate the turkey longer than overnight?
Marinating longer than overnight can lead to an overpowering flavor or affect the texture due to the acidity of the citrus juice. It’s best to stick to the 4-hour to overnight range for optimal results.
How can I tell when the turkey breast is done?
The most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. When it reaches 165°F, it is safely cooked and perfectly juicy. Avoid cutting into it too early as that releases the flavorful juices.
Can I prepare this recipe without the citrus zest?
You can omit the zest, but keep in mind it adds a wonderful brightness and aromatic oils that enhance the marinade. If you don’t have zest, try adding a bit more fresh juice to boost the citrus flavor instead.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus and Herb Marinade Recipe truly brings a refreshing twist to a classic poultry dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Its bright, herbaceous notes and juicy texture will quickly make it a favorite in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with those you love—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is spectacular.
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Oven Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus and Herb Marinade Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Oven Roasted Turkey Breast recipe features a flavorful blend of fresh herbs, citrus zest, and a honey-Dijon marinade that infuses the turkey with a deliciously savory and slightly sweet taste. Marinated for several hours and then oven roasted to juicy perfection, this turkey breast is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, yielding tender, moist slices every time.
Ingredients
Turkey and Marinade
- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, orange zest, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well blended.
- Coat the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry using paper towels. Place it in a large dish and pour the marinade over it. Rub the marinade evenly over the top and sides of the turkey breast to ensure it is completely coated.
- Marinate: Cover the turkey breast with plastic wrap or transfer it to a resealable bag. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the turkey breast from the marinade and place it on a roasting rack inside a baking dish. Discard any leftover marinade.
- Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). If the skin starts to brown too rapidly, loosely tent the breast with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Rest: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender breast.
- Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain and serve as desired. Enjoy your flavorful oven roasted turkey breast!
Notes
- For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the turkey overnight if possible.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness and avoid overcooking.
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can be substituted, but reduce quantities to about one-third as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Feel free to add other citrus zest, such as lime, for a different flavor twist.
- Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
