Turkey with lemon breasts is a simple yet tasty way to add bright, citrusy flavor to your holiday bird. The tangy lemon complements the savory turkey, making it extra moist and full of flavor. With just a few easy steps, you can make this zesty twist on traditional turkey for your next festive meal.
Why Cook Turkey with Lemon?
Cooking turkey breasts with lemon imparts a bright acidic flavor that balances the rich taste of the poultry. Lemon juice is a natural meat tenderizer so marinating or basting the turkey with lemon will help keep it moist and tender as it cooks. The citrusy aroma also pairs nicely with common turkey seasonings like rosemary, thyme, and sage.
Additionally, the high vitamin C content in lemons can help neutralize gamy flavors sometimes associated with turkey meat. Overall, lemon adds a refreshing flavor that makes turkey extra delicious
Getting Started with Turkey and Lemon
To get started, you’ll need:
- Bone-in or boneless turkey breast (about 2-3 lbs)
- Fresh lemons
- Butter or olive oil
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage
- Salt and pepper
Make sure the turkey breasts are thawed completely before cooking. Rinse them and pat dry with paper towels.
Easy Ways to Cook Turkey Breasts with Lemon
There are a few simple methods for cooking turkey breasts with lemon:
Marinate in Lemon Juice
Mix together lemon juice, olive oil, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Place the turkey breasts in a baking dish or sealable bag. Pour the marinade over the top, cover, and refrigerate for 30 mins up to overnight. The acidic lemon juice will tenderize the meat.
Stuff Lemon Slices Under the Skin
Loosen the skin from the turkey breast meat and slide thin slices of lemon underneath. The lemon will impart moisture and flavor as the turkey cooks.
Baste with Lemon-Herb Butter
Melt butter with lemon juice and chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage. Brush the mixture over the turkey every 10-15 minutes while roasting. Basting helps keep the turkey breasts super moist.
Roast Lemon Wedges Alongside
Place lemon quarters or slices in the roasting pan alongside the turkey. As the lemons roast, their juice will season the turkey. Squeeze roasted lemons over the cooked turkey for even more flavor.
Make a Lemon-Herb Compound Butter
Blend softened butter with lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped herbs. Spread it underneath the turkey skin or on top for incredible flavor.
Tips for Juicy Turkey with Lemon
Follow these tips for the most tender, flavorful lemon turkey breasts:
-
Marinate overnight to let the lemon fully penetrate and tenderize the meat.
-
Roast at 300°F – 325°F to prevent overcooking and drying out. Monitor with a meat thermometer.
-
Baste frequently with lemon-herb butter to prevent the skin from drying out.
-
Let rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting so juices can absorb for moist, tender meat.
-
Make pan gravy by deglazing the pan with chicken stock and simmering.
-
Use the flavorful lemon-infused drippings to make a tasty pan sauce.
-
Get creative with citrus flavors like orange, lime, grapefruit or lemon-pepper seasoning.
Lemon-Herb Turkey Breast Recipes
Here are some delicious recipes to try with turkey seasoned with lemon:
Pan-Seared Turkey Breast with Herbs
Ingredients: 2-3 lb bone-in turkey breast, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 lemon, 2 sprigs rosemary and thyme, salt and pepper.
Directions: Pound turkey breast to even thickness. Make lemon-herb oil with garlic, lemon zest and juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Sear turkey skin-side down until browned. Turn over, spoon lemon-herb oil on top. Cook until 165°F internally. Let rest 10 mins before slicing.
Lemon-Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
Ingredients: 3 lb boneless turkey breast, softened butter, garlic, lemon zest and juice, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt and pepper.
Directions: Loosen skin from breast. Mix herbs, garlic, lemon, salt and pepper into softened butter. Rub half under skin, half on skin. Tie up with kitchen twine. Roast at 375°F until 165° internal temp. Rest 10 mins then remove twine and slice.
Lemony Roast Turkey Breast
Ingredients: 2 lb bone-in turkey breast, 1 lemon quartered, 1⁄4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 11⁄2 tbsp minced garlic, 1⁄4 tsp dried thyme, salt and pepper.
Directions: Place lemon quarters and thyme sprigs in cavity. Mix garlic, parsley, thyme, oil, salt and pepper. Loosen skin, rub 1⁄2 garlic mixture underneath. Rub remaining mixture on skin. Roast at 350°F for 11⁄2 hours until 165°F. Let rest 10 mins before carving.
Enjoy Flavorful and Tender Turkey with Lemon
Cooking turkey breasts with lemon is an easy way to infuse bright, fresh flavor into your holiday bird. The acidic lemon juice tenderizes the meat, while complementing the savory flavor of turkey. There are many delicious ways to season turkey with lemon, from marinades to compound butters. For your next special dinner, try this tasty twist on traditional turkey recipes. With just a little lemon, you can enjoy the juiciest, most flavorful turkey yet.
Ingredients For cathy’s thanksgiving turkey
- 1 12 lb. turkey, fresh of frozen (thawed)
- 1 md onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 orange, halved
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tsp rosemary, lightly crushed
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp coarse salt
- tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
How To Make cathy’s thanksgiving turkey
-
1 Cut and quarter onion. Slice lemon and oranges in half. Mix rosemary, thyme, onion powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Last Step: Dont forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And dont forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!