Ingredients
Scale
For the Turkey Breast:
- 4–5 pound turkey breast (bone-in, skin-on)
For the Citrus Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Roasting Pan:
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Citrus Herb Butter
- In a bowl, combine the softened butter with the lemon zest, orange zest, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Prepare the Turkey Breast
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast, being careful not to tear it.
- Rub about two-thirds of the citrus herb butter mixture under the skin of the turkey, spreading it evenly for full flavor penetration.
- Rub the remaining butter on top of the skin to create a golden, crispy exterior as it roasts.
- Arrange the Roasting Pan
- Place the quartered onion, lemon slices, and orange slices in the bottom of a roasting pan.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pan to provide moisture during the roasting process, which helps to infuse the turkey with even more flavor.
- Roast the Turkey
- Set the prepared turkey breast on top of the aromatics in the roasting pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste occasionally with pan juices to keep the turkey moist and enhance its flavor.
- Let the Turkey Rest
- After roasting, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy.
- Slice and Serve
- Carve the turkey breast, then serve it alongside the roasted citrus and herbs for a burst of color and flavor. The citrus slices and onion will add an aromatic touch that complements the herb-infused turkey.
Notes
- Herbs: If fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage aren’t available, you can substitute with dried herbs. Use about one-third the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
- Butter: For a lighter option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil, though it will change the texture slightly.
- Chicken Broth: For a richer flavor, consider using vegetable broth or a splash of white wine in place of the chicken broth in the roasting pan.
- Citrus Variations: If you prefer, you can experiment with other citrus fruits such as grapefruit or lime for a different twist. The lemon and orange combination, however, creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes