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Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter

Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter
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Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter is a succulent and juicy main dish perfect for holiday feasts or special occasions. Infused with a vibrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and rich butter, this recipe locks in moisture and flavor for tender, golden-brown perfection. Simple yet elegant, it’s ideal for both seasoned cooks and kitchen beginners aiming to impress guests with a flavorful, aromatic centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey Breast

  • 1 fresh or thawed boneless turkey breast (about 3–4 lbs)

Herb Butter

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients

  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing pan and drizzling on skin)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Butter: Soften the unsalted butter at room temperature. Finely chop the fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mix herbs into the butter along with minced garlic and lemon zest. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, creating a flavorful herb butter.
  2. Prep the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps beautifully. Gently loosen the skin from the meat without tearing it, creating a pocket to spread the herb butter underneath.
  3. Apply the Herb Butter: Spoon the herb butter generously under the loosened skin, spreading evenly to coat the entire breast. Use any remaining butter to rub the outside skin for extra flavor and a golden crust.
  4. Roast the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan and drizzle olive oil over the skin to help it crisp. Roast uncovered for 60-75 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting with pan juices halfway through cooking to maintain moisture.
  5. Rest and Slice: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for moist, tender slices when carving.

Notes

  • Bring the turkey breast to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
  • Use a digital instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature and prevent overcooking.
  • Resting the turkey after roasting is crucial to maintain juiciness.
  • Loosen the skin gently to avoid tearing and maximize herb butter absorption.
  • Customize your herb butter by adding spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick, or swap herbs and zest to suit your taste.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/roasted-turkey-breast-with-herb-butter/