Brined Turkey Breast

A succulent turkey breast that's brined overnight in a flavorful solution of water, sugar, salt, and spices, then roasted to golden perfection with butter and chicken broth. Perfect for special occasions or holiday meals.

8 servings
17 hr

Ingredients

  • 16 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups coarse salt
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon pickling spices
  • 1 whole turkey breast
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 to taste black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    1. Combine the brine ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, until sugar and salt dissolve. Cool to room temperature.

    45 min

  2. 2.

    2. Rinse the turkey breast, discarding excess fat. Place in a deep bowl or pot, breast-side down. Pour the brine over the breast and refrigerate, loosely covered, overnight.

    720 min

  3. 3.

    3. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove the turkey from the brine 30 minutes before roasting. Line a shallow roasting pan with long pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil.

    30 min

  4. 4.

    4. Place turkey in the pan. Brush with 4 tablespoons of melted butter; season with pepper. Gather foil loosely on top and bake for 1 1/2 hours. Open the foil and bake for 2 1/4 hours more, basting every 30 minutes with broth and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, until the turkey is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F and the juices run clear. Transfer the breast to a cutting board; let rest for 15 minutes before carving. Reserve pan juices for gravy .

    225 min