Buttermilk Turkey Breast

Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, this buttermilk marinated turkey breast is the perfect way to elevate your next holiday meal or Sunday dinner. The buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat, but infuses it with a rich, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the herbs and spices in the marinade. After a few hours of soaking, the turkey comes out of the oven golden brown, with a perfectly crisp skin and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness inside. Whether you’re serving a small crowd or just craving a flavorful, no-fuss meal, this recipe is a showstopper that delivers every time.

Serves: 6-8

Marinate/Prep: 8-12 hours Bake: 1 1/2 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 6-7 pound bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
• 2 quarts whole buttermilk
• 1/2 cup plus 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
• 4 sprigs fresh parsley
• 2 sprigs fresh sage
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Gravy:

• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Dash of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large stockpot, stir buttermilk and 1/2 cup salt until well combined. Gently loosen the skin from turkey breast, keeping the skin intact. Add turkey to buttermilk mixture with skin side down. Cover and refrigerate for 8-12 hours. Remove turkey from buttermilk mixture and discard the mixture. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. Combine broth, onion, carrot, celery, parsley, and sage. Place roasting rack in pan, and spray with cooking spray. Place turkey, breast side up, on prepared rack. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.
4. Bake until thermometer inserted in thickest portion registers 165 degrees, about 1 1/2 hours, covered with foil. Let stand for 20 minutes. Reserve pan drippings for gravy.
5. Make Gravy: Scrape pan drippings, loosening the browned bits. Strain drippings into a 2 cup measuring cup. Add enough chicken broth to equal 2 cups. Add flour to a medium saucepan and whisk in drippings. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper.
6. Cut turkey into thin slices and place on a serving platter. Serve with gravy.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this buttermilk marinated turkey breast guarantees a meal that’s both effortless and unforgettable. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a special holiday gathering, the rich, tender meat and crispy golden skin will have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy a flavorful, no-stress feast that’s sure to impress.