Looking for a flavorful way to elevate your turkey game? This Smoked Lemon-Herb Turkey Breast recipe brings out the best in a 9-pound bird with a blend of citrusy zest, savory herbs, and a hint of warm spice. Perfect for backyard gatherings or a twist on your holiday spread, this turkey breast stays juicy with subtle complexity in every bite.
🔥 Ingredients
- 1 (9-pound) bone-in turkey breast, skin on
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried lemon peel (or zest from 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
🧴 Optional (but recommended) Brine
For best results, brine the turkey breast 12-24 hours ahead of time using a basic saltwater solution (1/2 cup kosher salt to 1 gallon water) with added lemon slices and herbs.
🔧 Instructions
- Prep the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. If brined, rinse and pat dry thoroughly.
- Mix the Rub: In a small bowl, combine rosemary, lemon peel, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cloves, and kosher salt. Stir in olive oil or butter until it forms a paste.
- Season It Up: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half the paste underneath the skin, directly on the meat. Rub the remaining mixture all over the skin and sides.
- Set the Grill or Smoker: Preheat your smoker or grill to 250°F using indirect heat. Use fruitwood like apple or cherry for a mild, sweet smoke.
- Smoke Low and Slow: Place the turkey breast skin-side up on the grates. Close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 160°F in the thickest part (around 3 to 4 hours). Rest for 20 minutes; carryover cooking will bring it to the safe 165°F mark.
- Carve and Serve: Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides—this bird plays well with roasted veggies, citrus glaze, or grilled sweet potatoes.
🔥 Pro Tips
- No smoker? You can still roast this in the oven at 325°F—just don’t skip the seasoning!
- Love crispy skin? Finish the turkey breast under high direct heat or broiler for 5–7 minutes.
- Great for holiday grilling, Sunday dinners, or healthy meal prep searches. This dish is great any time of the year and leads to a healthier lifestyle.
This allows for a deeper, more robust flavor that will have you coming back for more!