“Lucky 7” Citrus-Herb Roasted Turkey Breast — Your New Year’s Centerpiece
Symbolic, juicy, and golden: a 6 lb turkey breast roasted with orange, lemon, and fresh herbs for abundance in the new year. Ready in 2 hours. Pair with my $0.99 turkey cookbook!
New Year turkey recipe, citrus herb turkey, lucky New Year meal, high-protein holiday, Rossi VossHey friend! 👋
New Year’s isn’t just about resolutions—it’s about **setting the tone** for the year ahead. And in many cultures, **turkey = abundance**, **citrus = prosperity**, and **fresh herbs = growth**.
So I created this **“Lucky 7” Citrus-Herb Roasted Turkey Breast**—a joyful, stress-free centerpiece that feeds 6–8 and leaves you energy for what matters: celebrating with the people you love.
“I made this for New Year’s Day and my family asked for it again on Lunar New Year. The citrus smell filled the whole house—it felt like hope.” — Maria T., reader
✨ Why This Works
- Symbolic & delicious — citrus zest + rosemary = bright, fragrant, golden skin
- No dry meat — dry-brine + 325°F = juicy every time. Learn why crispy turkey breast skin fails (and how to fix it!)
- Make-ahead friendly — roast the day before, reheat gently. See exact 6 lb turkey breast cook time by weight.
- Serves 6–8 — perfect for small gatherings. Pair with any of my 6 classic Thanksgiving sides (all year round!)
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 (6 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
- 1½ tsp kosher salt per pound (9 tsp total)
- Zest of 1 orange + 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dry-brine (12–24 hrs ahead): Pat turkey dry. Rub with salt. Refrigerate uncovered on a rack. (Yes, dry-brining is non-negotiable for crisp skin!)
- Make herb paste: Mix citrus zest, herbs, garlic, oil, and pepper.
- Prep turkey: Remove from fridge 45 mins before roasting. Gently loosen skin. Spread half the paste under the skin, half over the top.
- Roast: Place breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast at 325°F for ~2 hours, or until internal temp reaches 155–160°F. Use a smart meat thermometer for hands-off perfection.
- Rest: Tent loosely with foil for 30 minutes. Temp will rise to 165°F (USDA safe).
- Serve: Slice and drizzle with pan juices—no gravy needed!
💡 Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the dry-brine—it’s the secret to flavor + moisture
- Use a thermometer—never guess doneness. My pressure cooker turkey breast method is faster—but this roast is worth the wait!
- Save leftovers—shred for salads, tacos, or soup
✨ More Ways to Celebrate the New Year
- Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast — Ready in 45 minutes for spontaneous gatherings
- Midea Flexify Review — A budget-friendly oven for small kitchens
- Full $0.99 Cookbook Collection — 27 titles for every appliance and appetite
📚 More Symbolic, Stress-Free New Year Recipes
May your new year be filled with flavor, joy, and plenty of seconds. 🍊✨
— Rossi
Friend, cookbook author, and your go-to for stress-free celebrations