Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This herb-roasted turkey breast with citrus glaze brings a bright and flavorful update to a classic favorite. The fresh herbs and zesty glaze create a juicy, aromatic centerpiece perfect for holidays or special dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast (4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Rub the turkey breast evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle with chopped thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and roast for about 1.5 hours.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, combine orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and orange zest in a saucepan; simmer gently until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: During the last 20 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the citrus glaze several times to build flavor and shine.
6. Step 6: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp skin, broil the turkey for 3-5 minutes at the end of roasting—watch carefully to avoid burning.
• Substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary if fresh is unavailable.
• Add a splash of white wine to the citrus glaze for a deeper flavor.

Storage

Store leftover turkey tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to preserve moisture. The citrus glaze can be saved separately in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a whole turkey instead of just the breast?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for a whole turkey, but cooking time will increase significantly. Make sure to adjust the roasting time and occasionally baste with the glaze for best results.

Is the citrus glaze suitable for other meats?

Absolutely! The bright glaze pairs well with chicken, pork, or even ham, adding a fresh and tangy note to these dishes.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 127 reviews

This Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with a zesty Citrus Glaze offers a delightful twist on traditional roast turkey. Infused with fresh thyme and rosemary, and finished with a sweet and tangy glaze of orange and lemon juices, honey, and citrus zest, this recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion where you want to impress with flavorful, moist poultry.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Turkey and Seasoning

• 1 turkey breast (4–5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Citrus Glaze

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before roasting the turkey breast.
2. Prepare the Turkey: Rub the turkey breast thoroughly with olive oil, then season it evenly with the chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This will infuse the meat with aromatic flavors.
3. Roast the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey breast in a roasting pan. Roast it in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 hours, allowing the meat to cook through and develop a beautiful golden crust.
4. Make the Citrus Glaze: While the turkey roasts, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and orange zest in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer the mixture until it slightly thickens, intensifying the flavors and forming a glaze.
5. Glaze the Turkey: During the last 20 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast generously with the citrus glaze. This step adds a bright, tangy sweetness that complements the herb seasoning.
6. Rest the Turkey: Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy slices when served.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Letting the turkey rest is crucial for juicy meat—do not skip this step.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the citrus mixture longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried thyme and rosemary can be used in a pinch (use about one-third the quantity).
• Save pan drippings to make a delicious gravy or serve alongside mashed potatoes.

Keywords: turkey breast, herb roasted turkey, citrus glaze, Thanksgiving turkey, holiday dinner, orange glaze turkey