Zesty Herb-Infused Grilled Turkey Breast
Elevate your outdoor summer feasts with our Zesty Herb-Infused Grilled Turkey Breast. Ideal for gatherings with family and friends, this dish showcases the perfect blend of zesty lemon, aromatic basil, and savory garlic layered beneath the turkey skin. By utilizing fresh ingredients, the chicken absorbs a vibrant flavor that truly shines on the grill. The thoughtful preparation, including the use of a meat thermometer, ensures a perfectly cooked turkey that's juicy and tender, eliminating the guesswork of grilling. Pair it with roasted asparagus, refreshing coleslaw, and your favorite sides for a delightful experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon
1 (Rind removed, pulp minced)
Romano cheese
1/4 cup (Shredded)
Basil leaves
1/4 cup (Minced)
Garlic cloves
5 (Minced)
Turkey breast
1 (4-7 lb) (Bone-in)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For rubbing on skin)
Lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your charcoal grill using a chimney starter, allowing about 30 minutes for the coals to be covered in gray ash.
2
Prepare the lemon by removing the rind and the outer white pith. Discard or set aside for other uses. Mince the lemon pulp carefully and discard any seeds.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the minced lemon, shredded romano cheese, minced basil leaves, and minced garlic, mixing until evenly blended.
4
Gently run your fingers under the skin of the turkey breast to create pockets for the herb mixture. Carefully place the lemon-herb mixture beneath the skin, ensuring an even distribution over the surface.
5
Drizzle olive oil over the skin of the turkey, then season generously with lemon pepper. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast to monitor the temperature.
6
Wrap the wing tips and drumstick ends with foil to prevent charring during grilling.
7
Remove the chimney starter and place approximately 60 briquettes on one side of the grill, positioning a foil pan in the center to catch drippings. This indirect grilling method helps create a consistent heat zone. Be sure to add water to the foil pan to maintain moisture.
8
Once the grill is set up, place the turkey breast directly onto the grate with the cavity facing down. Cover the grill with the lid, keeping vents open to allow airflow.
9
Monitor the turkey as it grills, tenting with foil if the skin begins to darken too quickly. The turkey is done when the temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part and 170°F in the thigh joint.
10
For a 7-pound turkey, expect a cooking time of approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes. Sizes may vary, so adjust your time accordingly—our 6-pound turkey half took approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.
11
For a 4 to 5-pound turkey breast, anticipate a cooking time of around 1 hour and 15 to 30 minutes, but always rely on your meat thermometer for accuracy.
12
Once the turkey is cooked to the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving platter. Cover loosely with foil and allow it to rest for 20 minutes to ensure a juicy serving. This resting period also gives you time to finalize your side dishes before serving. Enjoy your grilled masterpiece!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Zesty Herb-Infused Grilled Turkey Breast?
The dish features a vibrant blend of zesty lemon, aromatic fresh basil, and savory garlic tucked beneath the turkey skin.
What ingredients are needed for the herb-cheese mixture?
The mixture consists of minced lemon pulp, shredded Romano cheese, minced basil leaves, and minced garlic cloves.
How should the lemon be prepared for this recipe?
The outer rind and white pith should be removed and discarded. Only the minced lemon pulp is used, ensuring any seeds are removed.
What type of cheese is used in the herb stuffing?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of shredded Romano cheese.
Where do you place the herb and cheese mixture?
You gently run your fingers under the turkey skin to create pockets and then distribute the mixture evenly beneath the skin.
What is used to season the outside of the turkey?
The exterior skin is drizzled with olive oil and seasoned generously with lemon pepper.
How do you prevent the turkey extremities from charring?
You should wrap the wing tips and drumstick ends with aluminum foil during the grilling process.
What grill setup is recommended for this turkey?
A charcoal grill is recommended using an indirect grilling method with approximately 60 briquettes on one side and a water-filled foil pan in the center.
Why is a foil pan with water used in the grill?
The pan catches drippings and the water helps maintain a moist environment inside the grill to keep the turkey juicy.
How should the turkey be positioned on the grill grate?
Place the turkey breast directly onto the grate with the cavity facing downward.
What is the target internal temperature for the turkey breast?
The turkey breast is considered done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in its thickest part.
What should the temperature be at the thigh joint?
The internal temperature at the thigh joint should reach 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does it take to grill a 7-pound turkey?
A 7-pound turkey typically requires a cooking time of approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes.
What is the estimated cooking time for a 4 to 5-pound turkey breast?
It should take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, but you should always verify with a meat thermometer.
What should you do if the turkey skin darkens too quickly?
If the skin begins to darken too fast, you should tent the turkey with aluminum foil to protect it while it finishes cooking.
How long should the grilled turkey rest before serving?
The turkey should rest for 20 minutes covered loosely with foil to ensure the juices redistribute.
What sides are suggested to pair with this grilled turkey?
Recommended pairings include roasted asparagus and refreshing coleslaw.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 minced garlic cloves.
How much basil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of minced fresh basil leaves.
What size turkey breast does this recipe accommodate?
The recipe is designed for a bone-in turkey breast weighing between 4 and 7 pounds.
How long does it take to prepare the charcoal?
Allow about 30 minutes for the coals to be covered in gray ash when using a chimney starter.
Should the grill vents be open or closed?
The grill vents should be kept open to allow for proper airflow while the lid is closed.
How much olive oil is needed for the skin?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of olive oil for rubbing on the skin.
Can you use dried basil instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh minced basil leaves for a vibrant flavor, which is ideal for the grill.
What is the first step in preparing the lemon?
The first step is removing the rind and the outer white pith, which are then discarded.
Is the turkey bone-in or boneless?
This recipe specifically calls for a bone-in turkey breast.
What is the role of the chimney starter?
It is used to preheat the charcoal briquettes efficiently before they are placed in the grill.
How much lemon pepper seasoning is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper, or more to taste.
Why is a meat thermometer essential for this recipe?
It eliminates guesswork, ensuring the turkey is perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat without overcooking.
What should you do with the lemon seeds?
All seeds should be discarded when mincing the lemon pulp for the herb mixture.