Quick & Juicy Marinated Turkey Breast Recipe for Dinner Win

Marinated turkey breast crafts ordinary poultry into a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds and elevates home cooking.

Tender meat absorbs complex flavor profiles when soaked in carefully selected ingredients and seasonings.

Professional chefs understand the magic happens during marination, where proteins break down and become incredibly receptive to aromatic elements.

Salt, herbs, and acid work together to create depth and intensity in each delectable bite.

The secret lies in selecting quality ingredients that complement the delicate nature of turkey meat.

Marinades infuse moisture and tenderness, preventing dryness that often plagues home-cooked poultry dishes.

Unexpected combinations can surprise and delight even the most discerning palates.

Your next family meal awaits a delicious adventure that promises mouth-watering results.

Store and Reheat Turkey Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate sliced turkey breast for 3-4 days, keeping moisture intact by drizzling remaining pan juices over meat. Seal containers tightly to prevent refrigerator odors from affecting flavor.
• Reheat turkey breast gently to maintain tenderness. Warm slices in microwave using 50% power for 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Alternatively, place slices in covered oven-safe dish with splash of chicken broth, heat at 325F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Freeze remaining turkey breast for future meals. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor preservation.

Side Dishes That Work with Turkey

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chardonnay or sauvignon blanc complements the turkey's rich marinade, cutting through the savory flavors with its bright, acidic notes.
• Serve alongside Roasted Vegetable Medley: Herb-roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes echo the rosemary and provide a hearty, colorful side that matches the turkey's succulence.
• Enhance with Herb-Infused Gravy: Create a pan sauce using the marinade drippings, adding fresh thyme and a splash of white wine to intensify the turkey's aromatic profile and provide a luxurious moisture boost.
• Match with Rustic Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty artisan bread helps soak up the flavorful pan juices, creating a delightful combination that lets diners enjoy every last drop of the marinade's complex flavors.

Try These Turkey Recipe Variations

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace traditional marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a bright Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Style: Swap existing marinade with cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Creole seasoning for a bold, zesty Louisiana-inspired turkey breast.
• Maple Bourbon Glaze: Transform the marinade by incorporating bourbon whiskey, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and fresh cracked black pepper for a rich, complex sweet-savory combination.
• Asian Fusion Approach: Create an alternative marinade using soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and green onions to deliver a tangy, umami-packed turkey experience.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Breast

• Flavor-Packed Marination: The lengthy 12-24 hour marinating process infuses the turkey breast with deep, rich flavors, transforming an ordinary protein into a mouthwatering centerpiece that guarantees juicy, tender meat.
• Effortless Gourmet Cooking: This recipe offers restaurant-quality results with minimal hands-on effort, making it perfect for home cooks who want impressive dishes without complicated techniques or extensive cooking skills.
• Versatile Serving Potential: The succulent turkey breast works beautifully for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant holiday gatherings, providing a delicious protein that pairs wonderfully with multiple side dishes and can be easily carved and presented.

What You’ll Need for Marinated Turkey

• Turkey Breast: Lean, tender cut that absorbs marinade flavors beautifully. Fresh, high-quality turkey ensures the best taste and texture.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps meat moist. Extra virgin olive oil provides richer taste.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat. Fresh squeezed is always best.

• Rosemary, Thyme, Garlic: Classic herb combination that complements poultry perfectly. Fresh herbs offer more intense flavor than dried.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste profile. Kosher or sea salt recommended for better seasoning.

• Fresh Rosemary Twigs: Provides aromatic presentation and additional herbal note. Choose bright green, fragrant sprigs.

Cooking Up a Juicy Marinated Turkey

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a large mixing bowl or sturdy Ziplock bag, combine all marinade ingredients thoroughly. This mixture will be the secret weapon for infusing incredible taste into your turkey.

• Olive oil
• Herbs
• Spices
• Seasonings

Pro tip: Mix ingredients until well blended and aromatic.

Step 2: Embrace the Marinating Magic

Carefully place the turkey breast into the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated with the flavor-rich mixture. If using a Ziplock bag, squeeze out excess air before sealing tight.

Refrigerate for 12-24 hours to let the magic happen. Short on time? You can roast immediately, but marinating will elevate the taste.

Step 3: Prep the Oven for Roasting

Warm up your oven to 325°F. Select a deep baking dish that comfortably fits the turkey breast.

Transfer the marinated turkey into the dish, pouring all remaining marinade around the meat.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Place the baking dish on the middle oven rack. Roast uncovered for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Keep an eye on the internal temperature – you’re aiming for 160°F. The temperature will naturally rise to 165°F during resting.

Step 5: Baste and Brown

Every 20 minutes, baste the turkey to keep it moist and encourage beautiful browning.

Want an extra golden finish? Switch to broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the turkey rest for 5 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices.

Carve the turkey and drizzle with pan juices. Garnish with fresh rosemary twigs for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Serving Suggestion: Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Top Tips for Tender Turkey

• Seal for Maximum Flavor: Use a vacuum-sealed bag or squeeze out all air from a Ziplock to ensure marinade fully coats the turkey breast.
• Timing is Key: Don't over-marinate beyond 24 hours, as acidic ingredients can start breaking down meat texture and make it mushy.
• Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, avoiding dry or undercooked meat.
• Basting Technique: Regularly baste the turkey to keep it moist and develop a rich, golden-brown exterior during roasting.
• Resting Matters: Allow the turkey to rest after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and ensures each slice remains tender and succulent.

Succulent Marinated Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Marinated Turkey Breast delivers Mediterranean magic on a plate, blending zesty herbs and tangy citrus for an unforgettable dinner experience. Mediterranean seasonings infuse tender turkey with rich flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 turkey breast (bone-in or boneless, skin-on, about 2 – 2 ½ pounds / 0.9 – 1.1 kilograms)

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 8 cloves of garlic, minced
• 6 rosemary twigs (3 for garnish, 3 whole)

Liquid and Seasoning Components:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sesame oil
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ½ cup (170 grams) honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by thoroughly blending all selected ingredients within a spacious mixing bowl or robust resealable plastic bag.
2. Gently immerse the turkey breast into the marinade, meticulously coating every surface area. When utilizing a plastic bag, eliminate excess air before hermetically sealing.
3. Refrigerate the marinated protein for a minimum of 12 hours and up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply. If time constraints prevent marinating, proceed directly to roasting.
4. Heat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius), positioning the rack in the center position.
5. Transfer the marinated turkey breast into a deep ceramic or glass baking vessel, carefully pouring the remaining marinade around the meat.
6. Roast uncovered, maintaining an consistent oven temperature, for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
7. Periodically baste the turkey every 20 minutes using pan liquids to enhance moisture and promote uniform browning.
8. For enhanced visual appeal, activate the broiler on high setting for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
9. Extract the turkey from the oven, allowing it to rest undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, enabling internal juices to redistribute.
10. Slice the turkey against the grain, arranging on a serving platter and drizzling with residual pan juices. Garnish with delicate fresh rosemary sprigs for an aromatic finish.

Notes

• Marinate the turkey breast overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness, allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked turkey without drying out the delicate protein.
• Basting every 20 minutes helps create a gorgeous golden-brown exterior while keeping the meat incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Low and slow roasting at 325F prevents tough, chewy meat and promotes even cooking throughout the turkey breast.
• Let the turkey rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing succulent and juicy slices when carving.
• Fresh rosemary garnish adds an elegant touch and provides a fragrant herb accent to complement the marinade’s complex flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 344 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 978 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg