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Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is a tender, juicy, and flavorful dish infused with fresh herbs and garlic butter. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners, it features a golden-crisp crust and moist meat inside, offering a gourmet taste with simple ingredients. This recipe is easy to customize and guarantees a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

  • 2 to 3-pound fresh skin-on turkey breast

Herb Butter

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra for seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Butter: Soften the unsalted butter to room temperature. In a bowl, combine the butter with minced garlic, finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated to create a fragrant herb butter.
  2. Prep the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps during roasting. Gently loosen the skin by sliding your fingers between the meat and skin, creating a pocket for the herb butter.
  3. Apply the Herb Butter: Spread half of the herb butter evenly underneath the turkey skin, being careful not to tear it. Rub the remaining herb butter thoroughly over the turkey skin. Drizzle olive oil over the skin to help with browning. Season the skin with an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
  4. Roast to Perfection: Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack inside a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Roast uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the turkey is juicy inside with a golden, crisp outer crust.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, flavorful meat.

Notes

  • Bring butter and turkey to room temperature before starting to ensure even cooking and easier butter spreading.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
  • Fresh herbs provide brighter, more vibrant flavors; substitute dried herbs only if necessary and reduce quantity by half.
  • Resting the turkey after roasting is crucial for juicy meat and prevents dryness.
  • For extra richness, brush additional herb butter on the turkey breast halfway through roasting.

Nutrition

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