Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Introduction

Roasted turkey breast is a simple and flavorful main dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Infused with fresh herbs and butter, this recipe creates juicy, tender meat with crispy skin every time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 10 leaves fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1 turkey breast, 4-6 pounds, patted dry

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the oven rack in the bottom position.
2. Step 2: Place the turkey breast in a large roasting pan. Pat dry the turkey both inside and out with paper towels.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, rosemary, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside 2-3 tablespoons of this herb butter for later use.
4. Step 4: Carefully use the back of a spoon to lift the skin away from the turkey breast. Spread the herb butter underneath the skin, then smooth the skin back down to evenly coat the breast. Take care not to tear the skin.
5. Step 5: Roast the turkey breast for about 90 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Step 6: Remove the turkey from the oven and top it with the reserved herb butter. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, pat the turkey dry again right before roasting and avoid using foil.
• Try adding minced garlic to the herb butter for a flavorful twist.
• You can substitute fresh herbs with 2 teaspoons of dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at low temperature or in the microwave to keep the meat moist. For longer storage, freeze the cooked turkey for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook turkey breast at a higher temperature to save time?

While higher temperatures cook faster, roasting at 325°F helps the breast cook evenly and stay juicy. Cooking at higher heat risks drying out the meat.

Do I need to baste the turkey during roasting?

The herb butter under and over the skin helps keep the turkey moist, so basting is not necessary. Letting the butter melt during roasting bastes the meat naturally.

Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 140 reviews

This roasted turkey breast recipe features a succulent, herb-infused butter that penetrates the meat for a flavorful and moist outcome. Perfect for a special dinner or holiday meal, the turkey is seasoned with fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme, then roasted slowly to juicy perfection.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 to 8 1x
• Category: Poultry
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

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Herb Butter Mixture

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 10 leaves fresh sage
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Main Ingredient

• 1 turkey breast, 4-6 pounds, patted dry

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and ensure the bottom rack is the only rack inside the oven for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Prepare the turkey breast: Place the turkey breast in a large roasting pan and pat it dry with paper towels, making sure to dry both the inside cavity and outer skin thoroughly.
3. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter with fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture for finishing the turkey after roasting.
4. Apply butter under the skin: Carefully use the back of a spoon to gently lift the skin from the turkey breast without tearing it. Spread the herb butter underneath the skin, then smooth the skin back down to evenly distribute the butter over the meat.
5. Roast the turkey: Place the roasting pan with the turkey in the preheated oven and cook for about 90 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Finish and rest: Remove the turkey from the oven. Top the turkey breast with the reserved herb butter and allow it to rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting step ensures the juices redistribute for maximum juiciness.

Notes

• Allowing the butter to come to room temperature before mixing makes it easier to blend with herbs.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature without overcooking.
• You can add vegetables under the pan to catch drippings and turn them into delicious sides or gravy.
• Leftover turkey breast can be used for sandwiches or salads.
• If the skin tears while lifting, try to patch it back gently; the butter will still flavor the meat well.

Keywords: roasted turkey breast, herb butter turkey, holiday turkey recipe, juicy turkey breast, oven roasted turkey