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sliced turkey breast on cutting board
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Turkey Breast In A Jalapeno Brine

When you want to serve a small turkey dinner, this is the perfect recipe! Don't skip the brining step! It will yield a moist and flavorful turkey!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Brining Time 2 days
Total Time 2 days 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients

For The Brine

  • 2 large jalapenos sliced
  • 3 cloves of garlic sliced
  • 1/3 white onion
  • 1tbsp grapeseed or avocado oil
  • 1 tsp peppercorns
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sugar
  • 5 cups water

You Will Also Need

  • 2 pound split turkey breast bone in, skin on
  • 1 stick salted butter at room temperature
  • 1/3 tsp fresh cracked pepper
  • 1/3 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/2 tsp mild red chile powder
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  • To prepare the brine, add 1 tablespoon of oil to a medium pot. Preheat for a few minutes.
  • After a few minutes, add the onion, garlic and jalapeno to preheated oil. Sautee for 6-7 minutes, turning as needed. After 6-7 minutes, add the bay leaves, peppercorns, water, salt and sugar. Bring up to a quick boil by increasing the heat, Taste for salt. The brine has to taste salty in order for it to season the turkey all the way through. Remove brine from heat and let it cool completely.
  • Once the brine has cooled, pour it over washed turkey breast. You want the brine to cover the turkey breast. Choose a pot, container or heavy storage bag to make sure brine covers turkey breast, Place in the refrigerator for 48 hours.
  • After 48 hours, remove the turkey breast from the brine, Discard the brine. Dry off the turkey breast with paper towels and place in a small roasting pan or in a baking dish. let it sit at room temperature for 35 minutes.
  • While turkey comes to room temperature, in a bowl, mix softened butter with pepper, red pepper flakes, granulated garlic, chile powder and lemon zest.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Rub the flavored butter all over the surface and underneath skin of the turkey breast. Cover tightly with foil paper.
  • Once oven reaches 450 degrees, place covered turkey on the middle rack. Immediately drop the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Roast the turkey covered for 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 150 degrees F.
  • Once it reads 150 degrees F, uncover the turkey. Baste the turkey with the melted flavored butter all over and roast for 10 minutes. You will do this 2-3 times or until in internal temperature reads 165 degrees F in the deepest part of the breast. Once ready, I like to place it under the broiler for just a few minutes. That is optional. Remove turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
  • Slice the turkey into 8 slices and baste with more of the flavored butter before serving. Serve with your favorite sides, such as stuffing, mashed or roasted potatoes, cranberry sauce and sauteed vegetables.

Notes

You can use this same brine for any chicken, pork chops or pork loin! It's delicious!