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Best Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast (Easy Family Recipe)

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This herb butter roasted turkey breast is juicy, golden, and crispy, with a flavorful herb butter that seeps into every bite. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, ready in under 2 hours with only 15 minutes of active prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–6 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth or turkey stock
  • 1 medium onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Season the outside lightly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until evenly distributed.
  3. Gently loosen the skin from the meat using your fingers, creating a pocket. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  4. Place a wire rack in the roasting pan. If using, scatter the quartered onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the pan. Pour the chicken broth into the pan, avoiding the rack. Place the turkey breast on the rack, breast side up. If using kitchen twine, tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the breast.
  5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the turkey for 15 minutes at this high temperature. Then, without opening the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting. Start checking the internal temperature after about 45 minutes at 350°F. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Total roasting time is about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.
  6. Once the turkey hits 165°F, remove it from the oven. Transfer to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For best results, let the turkey breast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Pat the skin very dry for crispy skin. Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to retain juices. If the skin browns too quickly, tent with foil. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter. The herb butter can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter roasted turkey breast, easy turkey breast recipe, family dinner, holiday turkey, juicy turkey breast, crispy skin turkey

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