Citrus Herb Turkey Breast
This Citrus Herb Turkey Breast is juicy, tender, and bursting with bright flavors from fresh lemon, orange, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil. The citrus keeps the turkey moist, while the butter-herb rub creates a golden, flavorful crust.It’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for holiday dinners — and much easier than roasting a whole turkey!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marination time: 1 hour or overnight
Cook Time: 55–75 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Serves: 4–6 people
Ingredients
For the Turkey Breast
1.2–1.5 kg boneless turkey breast
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp orange zest
For the Citrus Bed
1 large orange, sliced
1 large lemon, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
½ cup chicken broth
Optional Glaze
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp orange juice
½ tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together:
olive oil
softened butter
garlic
rosemary
thyme
parsley
paprika
salt & pepper
lemon and orange zest
Rub this herb mixture all over the turkey breast, including underneath the skin if possible.
2. Build the Citrus Roasting Base
In a baking dish, layer:
lemon slices
orange slices
onion slices
Place the seasoned turkey breast on top.
Pour ½ cup chicken broth into the dish to keep it moist.
3. Roast
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Roast the turkey breast uncovered for:
55–75 minutes (until internal temperature reaches 74°C / 165°F).
Baste once halfway through for extra juiciness.
4. Apply the Glaze
Melt together: honey/maple + butter + orange juice.
Brush the turkey during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a glossy finish.
5. Rest & Serve
Remove turkey from oven and rest 10–12 minutes before slicing.
Serve with:
roasted potatoes
simple salad
steamed green beans
rice pilaf
stuffing or mashed potatoes
Notes & Tips
Non-spicy preference: Skip paprika entirely for a pure herb flavor.
Extra juicy tip: Marinate turkey 1–24 hours for ultimate tenderness.
Crispier top: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
For bone-in turkey breast: Add 10–15 extra minutes.
For a Mediterranean twist: Add 1 tbsp Greek yogurt to the marinade for tang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this with chicken breast?
Yes! Use 2–3 large chicken breasts and roast for 25–30 minutes.
Q2: Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes — season it and keep in the fridge overnight. Roast fresh before serving.
Q3: How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently in the oven at 150°C with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Q4: Can I use dried herbs?
Yes — use 1 tsp each dried rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 260
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 9 g
Carbs: 4 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 410 mg