Orange, Tea, Bourbon-Brined Paprika Butter Turkey

Name: Orange, Tea, Bourbon-Brined Paprika Butter Turkey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Brine:; 2 quarts water; 5 oranges - juiced and zest cut off in large strips; 2 cups kosher salt; 1 cup white sugar; 12 black tea bags; 4 bay leaves; 6 whole cloves; 12 whole black peppercorns; 1 cup bourbon whiskey; 4 quarts cold water, or as needed; 1 (8 pound) whole turkey breast; Seasoned Butter:; 2 tablespoons coriander seeds, crushed; 1 tablespoon paprika; 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, crushed; 6 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped; 6 tablespoons butter, softened

Servings: persons

Brine:
2 quarts water
5 oranges - juiced and zest cut off in large strips
2 cups kosher salt
1 cup white sugar
12 black tea bags
4 bay leaves
6 whole cloves
12 whole black peppercorns
1 cup bourbon whiskey
4 quarts cold water, or as needed
1 (8 pound) whole turkey breast
Seasoned Butter:
2 tablespoons coriander seeds, crushed
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, crushed
6 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
6 tablespoons butter, softened

1
Pour 2 quarts of water into a large soup pot and stir in orange juice and zest, kosher salt, sugar, black tea bags, bay leaves, cloves, peppercorns, and bourbon. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Mix 4 quarts cold water into brine and let cool. Submerge turkey breast in brine, adding more water if needed to cover. Refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
2
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Set oven rack to the lowest position in the oven.
3
Remove turkey from marinade; discard marinade. Rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels. Mix coriander seeds, paprika, cumin seeds, and garlic into softened butter in a bowl.
4
Loosen the skin over turkey breast with your fingers and spread 1/4 cup of seasoned butter beneath the skin. Rub remaining 2 tablespoons seasoned butter over the turkey breast. Place turkey breast onto a roasting rack and set rack into a roasting pan.
5
Roast in the preheated oven until skin is golden brown and an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165 degrees F (75 degrees C), about 2 hours. Transfer to a cutting board and let turkey breast rest 30 minutes before slicing.

570

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Brine:, 2 quarts water, 5 oranges - juiced and zest cut off in large strips, 2 cups kosher salt, and more.

Yes, Orange, Tea, Bourbon-Brined Paprika Butter Turkey falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!