Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, is a healthy and delicious option for anyone looking to enjoy lean, satisfying meals. Marinated with herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection, this turkey breast is perfect for light lunches, family dinners, or outdoor barbecues. Its smoky aroma and succulent texture make it a fantastic alternative to traditional roasted turkey, with the added bonus of quicker cooking time.
Ingredients
| Boneless, Skinless Turkey Breast | 1.5 - 2 lbs (680-900g) |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 3 tablespoons |
| Garlic Cloves | 4-5, minced |
| Fresh Rosemary, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Thyme Leaves | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 tablespoon |
| Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
| Fresh Parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Extra Lemon Wedges | For serving |
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast
- If you have a whole, thick turkey breast, you can slice it horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, or pound it to an even 1-inch thickness. This ensures more uniform and quicker cooking.
- Pat the turkey breast very dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the marinade cling and promotes better browning.
Step 2: Make the Herb-Garlic Marinade
- In a large, non-reactive bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, fresh thyme leaves, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Whisk or shake well to combine.
Step 3: Marinate the Turkey
- Add the prepared turkey breast (or cutlets/tenderloins) to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated.
- Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. (For turkey breast, a longer marinade isn't necessary and can sometimes lead to a slightly mushy texture due to the acid, so 30-90 minutes is usually ideal).
Step 4: Prepare the Grill
- Preheat your grill (gas or charcoal) to medium-high heat. Aim for a consistent temperature between 200-230°C (400-450°F).
- Once hot, thoroughly clean the grill grates with a wire brush.
- Lightly oil the clean grates by dipping a paper towel in a little olive oil and rubbing it over the grates using tongs. This helps prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Turkey Breast
- Remove the turkey from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (discard remaining marinade).
- Place the turkey breast pieces on the hot, oiled grill grates.
- Grill for 6-10 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden-brown grill marks appear and the internal temperature is reached.
- Doneness: The turkey is safely cooked when an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (without touching bone) reads 74°C (165°F). The juices should run clear.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Once cooked, transfer the grilled turkey breast to a clean cutting board.
- Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
- Slice the turkey breast against the grain into thick pieces if desired, or serve whole.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the turkey.
Extra Tips for Perfectly Grilled Turkey Breast
- Don't Overcook: Turkey breast is very lean and can dry out quickly. Use that meat thermometer!
- Even Thickness: Pounding or slicing the breast into even thickness helps it cook uniformly, preventing some parts from being dry while others are still undercooked.
- Clean and Oil Grates: This prevents the turkey from sticking and gives you beautiful grill marks.
- Marinade Time: While 30 minutes is sufficient for flavor, 1-2 hours is excellent. Avoid very long marinades with citrus for lean meats.
- Serving Suggestions: This grilled turkey breast pairs wonderfully with:
- A fresh green salad
- Quinoa, couscous, or rice
- Roasted or steamed vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers)
- Mashed potatoes (classic comfort)
Nutritional Value
(per serving, based on 4 servings for 2 lbs turkey, without sides)
| Calories | 250-350 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40-50 grams |
| Fat | 8-15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 2-5 grams |
| Fiber | 0-1 grams |
Benefits
- ✅ Lean, High-Quality Protein: Supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full.
- ✅ Low in Fat & Calories: Ideal for weight management and heart-healthy diets.
- ✅ Rich in Flavor with Simple Ingredients: Uses herbs, citrus, and olive oil for delicious results.
- ✅ Perfect for Meal Prep: Great hot or cold in salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
- ✅ Family-Friendly & Versatile: Pairs well with vegetables, rice, or fresh salads.
Light, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, Grilled Turkey Breast (American Cuisine – High-Protein, Low-Fat) is a dish you can enjoy any time of year. Whether you serve it as the star of a healthy dinner or slice it up for lunches and wraps, this juicy turkey breast will keep you coming back for more.
Explore more grilled meat recipes, low-fat protein dishes, and healthy dinner ideas on our site. Try this Grilled Turkey Breast and bring delicious simplicity to your next meal.