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Cozy Brined Turkey Breast for Two – Easy Holiday Dinner

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A perfectly sized, incredibly juicy turkey breast for two, brined with simple pantry staples and roasted to golden perfection. This recipe delivers moist, flavorful meat with minimal effort, making it ideal for quiet holiday dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups water (plus more for the brine mixture)
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal; reduce to 3 tablespoons if using Morton’s)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 1 bone-in turkey breast (2 to 2.5 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth (optional)
  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brine: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of water with the kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar dissolve completely, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and add the lemon halves, squeezing them slightly as you drop them in.
  2. Cool the brine: Pour the hot brine into your large pot or container. Add the ice cubes and 2 more cups of cold water. Stir until the ice melts and the brine is completely cool.
  3. Brine the turkey: Submerge the turkey breast completely in the cooled brine. If it floats, place a small plate on top to keep it under. Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Do not exceed 12 hours.
  4. Remove and dry: Take the turkey breast out of the brine and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey breast under cold water to remove excess salt from the surface. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.
  5. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F. Position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
  6. Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix until well combined.
  7. Season the turkey: Place the turkey breast in your roasting pan. Gently loosen the skin over the breast meat with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Spread about half of the butter mixture directly under the skin, right onto the meat. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey breast. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in gently.
  8. Add aromatics to the pan (optional): If using, pour the broth into the bottom of the pan and scatter the quartered onion and chopped carrots around the turkey breast.
  9. Roast the turkey: Place the turkey breast in the preheated oven. Roast for about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured at the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone. Start checking at the 40-minute mark. If the skin is browning too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
  10. Rest the turkey: Remove the turkey breast from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
  11. Slice and serve: Slice the turkey breast against the grain into thick pieces. Spoon any pan juices over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

Don’t skip the drying step after brining for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Save pan juices for gravy. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. Brine time should be 8-12 hours; do not exceed 12 hours to avoid overly salty meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: brined turkey breast, turkey for two, small turkey, holiday dinner for two, juicy turkey, easy turkey recipe, Thanksgiving for two

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/cozy-brined-turkey-breast-for-two-easy-holiday-dinner/