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Tender Extra Moist Turkey Breast Recipe Easy 5-Step Method for Juicy Results

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This recipe delivers a tender, juicy turkey breast using a simple brining and roasting method. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, it produces flavorful, moist turkey with a golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds skin-on, boneless turkey breast
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary and thyme
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small lemon, zested and juiced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brine by dissolving kosher salt and sugar in 4 cups cold water in a large bowl or container. Submerge the turkey breast completely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally 6 to 8 hours, but no more than 12 hours.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) about 30 minutes before roasting. Remove the turkey breast from the fridge to come closer to room temperature.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and a pinch of black pepper until well combined.
  4. Remove the turkey breast from the brine and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the skin, then spread the herb-butter mixture evenly under and over the skin.
  5. Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a wire rack in a roasting pan or directly in the pan. Roast in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 40 to 50 minutes. Start checking at 35 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  6. Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Use Diamond Crystal kosher salt for best brining results. If skin isn’t crispy enough, broil for 2-3 minutes carefully. Cover with foil if browning too fast. Rest turkey for 10 minutes after roasting to keep it juicy. Butter can be substituted with coconut oil for dairy-free option. Fresh herbs preferred but dried herbs can be used at one-third quantity.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, juicy turkey, moist turkey, easy turkey recipe, weeknight dinner, roasted turkey, brined turkey