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Grilled Marinated Turkey Breast: A Flavorful Summer Delight

I remember the first time I successfully grilled a turkey breast. It was a sweltering July 4th, and my family was gathered for our annual barbecue. Determined to break away from the usual burgers and hot dogs, I decided to experiment with a marinated turkey breast. The aroma of herbs, spices, and smoky char wafted through the air, tantalizing everyone’s taste buds. The tender, juicy meat, infused with layers of flavor, was an absolute hit. From that day on, grilled marinated turkey breast became a summertime staple, a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients meet open flames.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 6 hours (minimum)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (minimum)
Servings: 6-8
Yield: 1 turkey breast
Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

2 tablespoons Pommery mustard
1 cup red wine
½ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon coarse ground coriander
1 tablespoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
½ tablespoon salt
1 skinless turkey breast

Equipment Needed

Large bowl
Grill
Meat thermometer
Oven (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the Pommery mustard, red wine, olive oil, chopped fresh thyme, chopped fresh rosemary, minced garlic, coarse ground coriander, fresh coarse ground black pepper, and salt.
Check Seasoning: Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the marinade will penetrate the turkey breast, so a bold flavor profile is desirable.
Marinate the Turkey: Place the skinless turkey breast in the bowl with the marinade. Ensure the breast is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight. The longer the turkey marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.

Pro Tip: To speed up the marination process, you can slice the turkey breast into 4 to 6 long, thin slices. This increases the surface area exposed to the marinade.
Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to a low heat. For a gas grill, this typically means setting the burners to low. For a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly distributed and have a moderate heat.
Grill the Turkey: Remove the marinated turkey breast from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help ensure even cooking. Season the marinated breast lightly with additional salt and pepper. Place the turkey breast on the preheated grill and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. It should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
Optional: Finish in the Oven: If the turkey breast is particularly large or thick, it may be necessary to “butterfly” it (cut it horizontally almost all the way through and open it up like a book) to ensure it cooks through evenly. If the outside is browning too quickly before the inside is cooked, you can transfer the turkey breast to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven to finish cooking.
Rest: Once the turkey breast is cooked to 165°F (74°C), remove it from the grill (or oven) and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.
Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the turkey breast thinly against the grain and serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Marinating Magic: Don’t skimp on the marinating time. Overnight marinating is ideal for maximum flavor penetration.
Grill Temperature Control: Low and slow is key for grilling turkey breast. This prevents the outside from burning before the inside is cooked through.
Butterfly Technique: Butterflying a thick turkey breast is a great way to ensure even cooking. Simply cut horizontally through the breast, almost all the way through, and then open it up like a book.
Thermometer is Your Friend: A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the turkey breast is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Resting is Crucial: Don’t skip the resting period! It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey breast.
Smoke Infusion: Add wood chips (such as hickory or applewood) to your grill for an extra layer of smoky flavor. Soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the grill to prevent them from burning too quickly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the grilled marinated turkey breast as a main course with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, potato salad, or a fresh green salad. The sliced turkey is also fantastic in sandwiches or wraps.

Storage: Leftover grilled turkey breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat sliced turkey breast in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Do not leave cooked turkey breast at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	198.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	82%
Total Fat	18.1 g	27%
Saturated Fat	2.5 g	12%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	584 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	2.4 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	0.3 g	1%
Protein	0.3 g	0%

Please note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs in the marinade. Oregano, sage, or marjoram would all be delicious additions.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat.
Citrus Twist: Incorporate the zest and juice of a lemon or orange into the marinade for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Sweet and Savory: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
Vinegar Options: Substitute balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar for the red wine for a different flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a bone-in turkey breast. However, it will take longer to cook. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, near the bone.

Q: Can I grill the turkey breast on a higher heat to speed up the cooking time?
A: It is not recommended to grill the turkey breast on high heat, as this can cause the outside to burn before the inside is cooked through. Low and slow is the best approach for ensuring a tender and juicy result.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Can I use dried herbs instead?
A: Yes, you can use dried herbs. Use approximately 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary in place of the fresh herbs.

Q: How do I prevent the turkey breast from drying out on the grill?
A: To prevent the turkey breast from drying out, avoid overcooking it, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Q: Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time on the day you plan to grill the turkey breast.

Final Thoughts

This grilled marinated turkey breast recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even a simple weeknight meal. The flavorful marinade and the smoky char from the grill create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique variation. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your feedback! Pair it with a crisp summer salad and a refreshing glass of iced tea for the ultimate summertime feast. Enjoy!

Grilled Marinated Turkey Breast Recipe