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lemon thyme roasted turkey breast

Lemon Thyme Roasted Turkey Breast

This lemon thyme roasted turkey breast is juicy, simple, and full of fresh flavor. Butter, herbs, and lemon keep the meat tender while the skin turns golden. Perfect for small holidays, Sunday dinners, or easy meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday-friendly
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the turkey and brine
  • 1 bone-in turkey breast 3–4 pounds
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • For the herb butter
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1½ tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • Black pepper to taste
For roasting
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • Extra fresh thyme sprigs

Method
 

  1. Brine the turkey
  2. Mix water, salt, and sugar until dissolved. Add the turkey breast. Cover and refrigerate for 4–6 hours.
  3. Dry the turkey
  4. Remove from brine. Rinse lightly and pat very dry with paper towels.
  5. Make the herb butter
  6. In a bowl, mix butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, garlic, and black pepper.
  7. Season the turkey
  8. Gently loosen the skin. Rub most of the butter under the skin. Spread the rest on top.
  9. Prepare the pan
  10. Place onion slices in a roasting pan. Set the turkey on top. Add lemon slices and thyme around it.
  11. Roast
  12. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast uncovered for 60–75 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  13. Rest and slice
  14. Let rest for 15 minutes. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Brining keeps the turkey moist. Don’t skip it.
  • Always let the turkey rest before slicing or juices will run out.
  • Use fresh thyme for the best flavor.
  • A meat thermometer makes this stress-free.