Grilled Turkey Breast
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
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Additional Time
8 hrs
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Total Time
9 hrs 40 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
345 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Grilled Turkey Breast
Description
Grilled Turkey Breast begins with an aromatic brine combining apple cider, kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic, black peppercorns, orange slices, and rosemary. This brine tenderizes and infuses the meat overnight. After rinsing, the turkey breast is prepared with a butter rub spiked with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, which is worked under the skin for layered flavor. Stuffed with lemon, onion wedges, and rosemary inside a roasting pan, the turkey is grilled at around 375°F, allowing gentle heat to cook evenly while retaining juiciness from the brine and butter rub. The result is a bird with a well-seasoned, slightly citrusy aroma and moist texture from the brining and basting with chicken broth as it cooks.
The lemon and rosemary inside the cavity add aromatic oils during grilling, complementing the savory butter rub and enhancing the overall depth. This turkey breast serves well sliced for a main protein dish at casual or holiday meals. It pairs nicely with pan juices or a light gravy and simple side vegetables or salads. The bone-in breast aids even cooking and presentation.
If you substitute with a half breast, adjust the seasoning quantities and reduce the cooking time to approximately 40-45 minutes to prevent overcooking. Monitoring the grill heat in the 350-375°F range is important to ensure the turkey breast cooks evenly without drying.
Ingredients
For the brine
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice, do NOT use apple cider vinegar
- 1 gallon water cold
- 3/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 3 rosemary sprigs
For the turkey
- 6 pound turkey breast bone in
- 3 rosemary sprigs
- 1 lemon quartered
- 1/2 onion cut into wedges
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup butter softened
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning dried
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- herbs optional, fresh, for garnish
Instructions
For the brine
- Place all the brine ingredients in a large pot over medium heat, then bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until salt and sugar have dissolved.
- Turn off the heat. Let the brine mixture cool to room temperature.
- Place the turkey breast in the brine solution to fully submerge it, then cover and refrigerate for 8-12 hours.
- When you're ready to cook your turkey breast, remove it from the brine and rinse with cool water; pat dry with paper towels.
For the turkey
- Place the turkey breast in a deep disposable aluminum pan. Stuff the cavity with the lemon, onion and rosemary.
- Place the butter, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a bowl. Stir to combine. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pan.
- Heat a charcoal or gas grill to 375 degrees F. It's ok for the temperature to be within the 350-375 degrees F range, just monitor to make sure it doesn't drop below 350.
- Place the pan with the turkey in it on the grill.
- Cook for 90-120 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers at least 165 degrees F. Baste with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
- If the turkey skin starts to get too dark before the breast is cooked through, cover it with foil.
- Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes then transfer to a serving plate. Slice and serve, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- When using a half turkey breast, halve the brine and seasoning amounts and shorten grill time to about 40-45 minutes for best results.
- Ensure the brine is completely cooled before submerging the turkey to maintain safe refrigeration temperature.
- Rinsing and drying the turkey after brining helps prevent excess saltiness and promotes better browning on the grill.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 345 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 345kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 49g | 98% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 220mg | 73% |
| Sodium | 702mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 1101mg | 23% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 140IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 83mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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