Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast with Citrus Glaze Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before roasting the turkey breast.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
