Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

Lisa - NorthEast Nosh Recipes

I am a food enthusiast living in Northeastern Ohio. Having lived in several states, before landing in Ohio, I have experienced many different food cultures. My belief is that food nourishes our bodies, hearts and minds. Food brings people together, there is nothing better than enjoying a good meal with family and friends. That being said, I have stacks of recipes from over the decades in 3-ring binders, old cookbooks and digital recipes on my computer. My original thought was to catalog all of them on my computer and get rid of the binders and such. My next thought was to share them. If they are on this website, they were worth sharing I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! (I will try my best to credit the original creator/author of the recipe if I can).

July 30, 2025

Citrus Herb Turkey Breast brings a fresh, vibrant twist to classic turkey dishes, combining the lively zest of citrus with the savory depth of aromatic herbs. Perfect for holiday meals or special family dinners, this dish promises a tender and juicy turkey breast that’s infused with bright, tangy flavors and a fragrant herbal touch.

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Citrus Herb Turkey Breast brings a fresh, vibrant twist to classic turkey dishes, combining the lively zest of citrus with the savory depth of aromatic herbs. Perfect for holiday meals or special family dinners, this dish promises a tender and juicy turkey breast that’s infused with bright, tangy flavors and a fragrant herbal touch. It’s a refreshing departure from the typical roast turkey, offering a balance of savory and citrusy notes that will delight your taste buds.

The magic happens during roasting, as the turkey breast absorbs the flavors from a medley of fresh herbs—think rosemary, thyme, and sage—alongside slices of lemon and orange. The citrus not only adds a subtle tang but also helps keep the meat moist and succulent throughout the cooking process. This dish is ideal for smaller gatherings or when you want to enjoy the richness of roasted turkey without the fuss of cooking a whole bird.

I first made this Citrus Herb Turkey Breast for a Thanksgiving dinner when we were hosting just a few close friends. I wanted something special but didn’t feel like tackling a whole turkey. The aroma that filled the kitchen as it roasted was absolutely divine, with the citrus and herbs creating an inviting and warm atmosphere. When we finally sat down to eat, the flavors were spot on—each bite was juicy, with just the right hint of zest and herbal goodness. It quickly became a new favorite, and now I make it whenever I’m craving a deliciously simple yet elegant turkey dish!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

Here are several reasons why you’ll love Citrus Herb Turkey Breast:

Burst of Flavor: The combination of citrus and herbs makes for a fresh and vibrant taste.
Juicy and Tender: Roasting the turkey breast with a citrus-herb butter keeps it moist and flavorful.
Perfect for Smaller Gatherings: Ideal for a family dinner or intimate holiday celebration.
Less Fuss than a Whole Turkey: Easier and quicker to prepare than a whole bird.
Healthy and Light: Turkey breast is a lean source of protein, making this dish a lighter option.
Impressive Presentation: The colorful citrus slices and herbs make for a beautiful serving.
Customizable Seasonings: You can adjust the herbs and citrus to your taste preferences.
Easy Leftovers: Leftovers make for great sandwiches or salads.
Gluten-Free: This recipe naturally fits into a gluten-free diet.
Crowd-Pleaser: The flavors appeal to a variety of palates, making it a popular choice.

Ingredient Highlights:

Turkey Breast: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Citrus Zest: Adds a bright and tangy flavor to the butter.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage infuse the turkey with an earthy aroma.

Preparation Time and Cook Time:

Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 320 calories
Key Nutrients: Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 36g

Ingredients:

Gather the following ingredients for Citrus Herb Turkey Breast:

For the Turkey Breast:

4-5 pound turkey breast, bone-in, skin-on

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

Roasting Pan:

1 onion, quartered
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1/2 cup chicken broth

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these steps to create Citrus Herb Turkey Breast:

Prepare the Citrus Herb Butter:

Mix Butter and Flavors: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, orange zest, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Prepare the Turkey Breast:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Loosen the Skin: Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast, being careful not to tear it.
Apply Butter Under the Skin: Rub about two-thirds of the citrus herb butter mixture under the skin of the turkey, spreading it evenly.
Apply Butter on Top: Rub the remaining butter on the outside of the skin.

Roast the Turkey:

Arrange Aromatics in Roasting Pan: Place the quartered onion, lemon slices, and orange slices in the bottom of a roasting pan. Pour in the chicken broth.
Place Turkey Breast on Top: Set the prepared turkey breast on top of the aromatics.
Roast in Oven: 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.
Rest Before Slicing: Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Serve:

Slice and Serve: Carve the turkey breast and serve it with the roasted citrus and herbs.

Serving Suggestions:

Here are some serving suggestions for Citrus Herb Turkey Breast:

Pair with Classic Sides: Serve with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary for extra color.
Serve with Pan Drippings: Drizzle pan drippings over the sliced turkey for added flavor.
Make Sandwiches: Use leftovers for delicious turkey sandwiches.
Include in Salads: Add cold slices to salads for a protein boost.
Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots for a complete meal.
Accompany with Gravy: Make a quick gravy from the pan drippings.
Use in Wraps: Wrap slices in a tortilla with fresh greens for a light lunch.
Add to Soup: Leftover turkey can be used in a hearty soup.
Plate Family Style: Present the carved turkey on a large platter surrounded by the roasted citrus and herbs.

Additional Tips:

Maximize your cooking success with these helpful tips:

Let the Turkey Rest: Allowing the turkey to rest ensures it remains juicy.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Check for doneness with a meat thermometer for the best results.
Baste Occasionally: Basting helps keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
Don’t Overcook: Watch the internal temperature to avoid drying out the turkey.
Prep Ahead: Prepare the citrus herb butter in advance to save time.
Save the Pan Drippings: They make a delicious gravy or sauce.
Choose Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried can be used in a pinch.
Add More Citrus: If you love citrus, add extra slices to the roasting pan.
Use Butter Generously: Applying butter under and over the skin keeps the meat moist.
Check Skin for Crispiness: If you prefer crispy skin, broil for a few minutes at the end.

Recipe Variations:

Try these creative variations for your Citrus Herb Turkey Breast:

Honey-Glazed Version: Add a tablespoon of honey to the butter mixture for a touch of sweetness.

Spicy Option: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Garlic-Lovers: Double the garlic for extra garlicky goodness.
Herb Mix: Swap out the herbs with dill or tarragon for different flavors.
Citrus Blend: Use a mix of lime, lemon, and orange for a more diverse citrus profile.
Butter Substitute: Use olive oil instead of butter for a different taste.
Add Wine: Pour a splash of white wine into the roasting pan for added depth.
Maple Infusion: Mix in a bit of maple syrup with the butter for a unique flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Add smoked paprika to the butter for a smoky note.
Apple Addition: Add a few apple slices to the roasting pan for a hint of sweetness.

Freezing and Storage:

Keep your Citrus Herb Turkey Breast fresh with these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.
Avoid Overheating: Reheating at a low temperature keeps the turkey moist.

FAQs:

Here are some common questions about making Citrus Herb Turkey Breast:

Can I use boneless turkey breast?
Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
How do I keep the turkey from drying out?
Baste it regularly and let it rest before carving to retain moisture.
Can I use dried herbs?
Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used.
What can I do with leftovers?
Make sandwiches, wraps, or add them to salads and soups.
How do I know when it’s done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I use salted butter?
If using salted butter, reduce the additional salt in the recipe.
What if I don’t have a roasting pan?
A baking dish will work as long as it’s large enough to fit the turkey breast.
Should I cover the turkey while roasting?
If the skin starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil.
Can I prepare the butter mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the butter mixture up to 3 days in advance.
Can I make gravy from the drippings?
Absolutely, the drippings will make a flavorful gravy.

More Recipe Suggestions:

Turkey Taco Salad

Turkey Burgers with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Provolone

Stuffed Pasta Shells with Ground Turkey and Spinach

Pesto Turkey and Avocado Bacon Sandwich

Exotic Citrus Almond Chicken Crunch

Citrus Herb Turkey Breast

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 40

Total Time 2

Course Holiday, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Equipment

Ingredients

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

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