Herb & Citrus Boneless Turkey Roast
Updated Nov 19, 2025, Published Mar 15, 2024
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A Bright, Flavorful Showstopper
If you’re looking for a turkey recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, this Herb & Citrus Boneless Turkey Roast is exactly what your table needs. Fresh herbs, vibrant citrus, and rich poultry fat come together to create a juicy, aromatic roast that feels both elegant and approachable. Even better, this recipe requires little hands-on work—once everything is seasoned and tucked under the skin, the oven handles the rest. As a result, you get a perfectly seasoned, tender turkey roast without the stress of roasting a whole bird.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Roast
This recipe stands out for its incredible balance of brightness and richness. The mix of fresh thyme, parsley, basil, and chives brings garden-fresh flavor, while lemon, lime, and orange juice add natural acidity that tenderizes the meat as it cooks. At the same time, chicken or duck fat locks in moisture and helps the herbs crisp beautifully on the outside.
Because the turkey breast comes pre-rolled and netted, preparation is quick and streamlined. Even if you need to roll it yourself, the process is straightforward, making this recipe ideal for holiday dinners, Sunday meals, or anytime you want a flavorful main dish without complicated steps.
What You’ll Need
Here are the simple, fresh ingredients that give this turkey roast its standout flavor:
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, basil, chives)
- Lemon
- Lime
- Orange
- Chicken or duck fat
- Garlic powder
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Boneless turkey breast roast
- Parsley (for the sauce)
- Purple onion
- Garlic
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Champagne vinegar
- Honey
Tips for the Best Results
Keep the Netting On
Leave the elastic net on the turkey during roasting. It helps the meat keep its shape and ensures even cooking.
Work the Herb Mixture Under the Skin
Gently tucking the herb-citrus mixture under the skin infuses the meat with flavor and keeps it incredibly moist.
Don’t Rush the Resting Time
Allowing the turkey to rest before slicing helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices.
Use a Thermometer
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the roast, so check for an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure perfect results.
The Citrus-Herb Sauce
This fresh, vibrant sauce brings the entire dish together. Made with parsley, garlic, honey, olive oil, and champagne vinegar, it adds a bright, tangy finish that contrasts beautifully with the rich turkey. Spoon it over each slice right before serving to elevate the entire meal.
Serving Suggestions
This turkey roast pairs well with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Wild rice or quinoa pilaf
- Simple green salads
- Gluten-free dinner rolls
Because the flavors are bright and versatile, it works for both holiday meals and everyday dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers taste incredible the next day and store well:
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze sliced turkey for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a covered dish at 300°F or enjoy chilled in sandwiches and salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find a netted turkey breast?
No problem. Simply roll two or three boneless turkey breasts together and tie them with butcher’s twine to form a roast. This works just as well and cooks evenly.
Can I substitute the chicken or duck fat?
Yes. While poultry fat gives the best flavor and richness, you may use softened butter or a high-quality plant-based butter alternative.
Will the turkey taste too citrusy?
Not at all. The citrus adds brightness and moisture without overwhelming the savory herb and turkey flavors.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. You can season the turkey several hours—or even a day—ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then roast when ready.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are strongly recommended for this recipe. They provide more vibrant flavor and better texture under the skin.
Is this recipe good for holidays?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for smaller gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any celebration where you want a flavorful yet easy main dish.
Herb & Citrus Boneless Turkey Roast
Ingredients
- ½ cup mix of chopped fresh herbs, (thyme, parsley, basil & chives all work well)
- 1 fresh lemon
- 1 fresh lime
- 1 fresh orange, , any variety
- ½ cup chicken or duck fat at room temp
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4-5 pound boneless turkey breast roast, (thawed)
For the sauce:
- 1 bunch of flat leaf, (Italian) parsley
- 2 tablespoons purple onion, , finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, , finely minced
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Kosher or fine sea salt, , to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, , to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Rinse, pat dry and finely chop all herbs.
- Squeeze the juice from the lemon, lime and orange into a small bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken or duck fat, herbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the citrus juice.
- Remove the turkey breast roast from the packaging, leaving the elastic net intact.
- Place the turkey in a small roasting pan. In spoonful’s, transfer as much of the herb mixture as possible between the separate pieces of turkey and under the skin. Spread the remainder on top of the skin side of the breast.
- Roast the turkey with the skin side up in the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let rest 10 minutes before removing the netting, slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
