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Juicy dry brined turkey breast ready to be served for a festive meal

Juicy Dry Brined Turkey Breast

This Juicy Dry Brined Turkey Breast ensures every bite is succulent and flavorful through a luscious dry brining process that enhances the natural juices of the meat.
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 13 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Holiday, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

For the brine
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
Main ingredients
  • 1 whole bone-in turkey breast (6 to 7 pounds), thawed completely
  • 3 tablespoons softened butter or olive oil
  • 1 lemon sliced into rounds
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme) for the roasting pan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Carefully loosen the skin over the breast with your fingers and rub about one-third of the salt mixture directly onto the meat under the skin.
  4. Rub the remaining salt mixture all over the outside of the skin and the underside of the breast.
  5. Place the turkey on a rack inside a roasting pan and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
  6. When ready to cook, take the turkey out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cooking
  1. Gently pat the skin dry again if it looks moist and rub the softened butter or olive oil all over the skin.
  2. Place the lemon slices, onion quarters, and fresh herbs inside the cavity or around the turkey in the pan.
  3. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 1 to 1.5 hours more.
Resting
  1. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze portions wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Consider using a thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure optimal cooking.
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