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Spice Rubbed Bone-In Turkey Breast

Rubbed with a blend of spices and garlic, this bone-in turkey breast is the most flavorful! And it's perfect for small gatherings, where you don't want to make a whole turkey.
Author: Amanda Paa
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Prep Time :10 minutes
Cook Time :1 hour
Total Time :1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the turkey:
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon sweet regular paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • 1 large lemon
  • 1 6 pound bone-in turkey breast
  • For the sauce:
  • 1 cup packed cilantro leaves with tender stems
  • 1 medium jalapeño seeds removed, coarsely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Instructions 

  • Roast the turkey:
    Arrange rack in middle of oven; preheat to 425° F. Mix garlic, cumin, oil, paprika, pepper, oregano, 2 teaspoons salt, and finely grated zest from lemon in a medium bowl.
  • Cut lemon in half and squeeze out juice into spice mixture. Rub the cut lemons all over the turkey, and any remaining juice. Place lemons in cavity of turkey.
  • Place turkey in a roasting pan, or aluminum sheet pan with parchment underneath, breast side facing up. From both edges of cavity, loosen skin from breasts, being careful not to tear skin. Using your fingers, gently spread 3/4 of spice mixture under skin (reserve remaining spice mixture), then season turkey skin all over with remaining 1 teaspoon salt.
  • Roast turkey 20 minutes, then turn heat down to 375 degrees F. Continue roasting, basting with remaining spice mixture and pan juices every 20 minutes, until thickest part of breast is pierced with instant-read thermometer and reads 150-155 degrees F.
  • Transfer turkey to a cutting board and let rest 15 minutes, where its temperature will continue to rise to 165 degrees F.
  • Make the green sauce:
    Purée cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, oil, lime juice, and salt in a blender until combined. Add mayonnaise and purée until well blended. Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and chill until ready to use.