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Best Brined Turkey Breast for Two – Easy Juicy Recipe

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A perfectly sized, juicy turkey breast for two, brined to lock in moisture and flavor. This easy recipe is budget-friendly, reduces waste, and makes a special meal for small households or a quiet Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups ice water
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (2.5 to 3 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Make the brine: In a large pot, combine 4 cups water, kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic, peppercorns, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and add 2 cups ice water to cool. Let cool to room temperature.
  2. Brine the turkey: Place turkey breast in a large resealable bag. Pour cooled brine over turkey, seal, and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours (not more than 24).
  3. Preheat and prep: Remove turkey from brine, discard brine. Rinse turkey under cold water for 30 seconds. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while preheating oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Season the turkey: Mix garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Rub olive oil or melted butter all over turkey breast. Sprinkle seasoning mixture evenly over surface.
  5. Set up roasting pan: Place turkey on a wire rack in a roasting pan or 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour chicken broth into bottom of pan (not over turkey).
  6. Roast the turkey: Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Start checking internal temperature at 1 hour. Insert thermometer into thickest part of breast, avoiding bone. Target 150°F (65°C) if resting, or 155°F (68°C) if serving immediately.
  7. Rest the turkey: Remove from oven. If skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil. Let rest on cutting board for 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil.
  8. Slice and serve: Carve breast off bone and slice against the grain. Drizzle with pan juices.

Notes

Pat the turkey very dry for crispy skin. Use a thermometer for accuracy. Let the turkey rest before slicing. Save pan drippings for gravy. For a lower-sodium option, reduce brine salt to 3 tablespoons or skip the brine.

Nutrition

Keywords: brined turkey breast, turkey for two, small Thanksgiving, juicy turkey, easy turkey recipe, bone-in turkey breast

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/best-brined-turkey-breast-for-two-easy-juicy-recipe/