Print

Best Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast – Easy Holiday Recipe

herb butter roasted turkey breast - featured image
Print Recipe

This herb butter roasted turkey breast is juicy, flavorful, and looks stunning on a platter. The herb butter technique ensures every bite is infused with flavor, making it the perfect centerpiece for any dinner party or holiday gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–7 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

  1. Make the Herb Butter: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. Set aside. Can be made up to three days ahead.
  2. Prep the Turkey Breast: Remove the turkey breast from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before starting. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Place on a clean cutting board, skin side up.
  3. Loosen the Skin: Gently slide your fingers under the skin of the turkey breast, working from the top down to create a pocket between the skin and the meat. Be careful not to tear the skin.
  4. Apply the Herb Butter: Take about two-thirds of the herb butter and spread it directly onto the meat under the skin. Massage it evenly across the entire breast. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin. Season the outside with remaining salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Prepare the Pan: Place the quartered onion and herb sprigs in the center of your roasting pan. Pour in the chicken broth. Place the turkey breast on top of the onions and herbs, skin side up.
  6. Roast the Turkey: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast for 20 minutes at this high temperature. Then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting. Baste with pan juices every 30 minutes. If skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
  7. Check for Doneness: Turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F (74°C). Start checking around 1 hour 30 minutes.
  8. Rest the Turkey: Remove from oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest, loosely covered with foil, for at least 15 minutes.
  9. Carve and Serve: Slice the turkey breast against the grain into even slices. Arrange on a platter and spoon some of the pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs if desired.

Notes

For crispy skin, pat the turkey thoroughly dry before applying butter. If you have time, leave the turkey uncovered in the fridge overnight to dry out the skin. Do not skip the resting period—it allows juices to redistribute. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter, roasted turkey breast, holiday recipe, dinner party, Thanksgiving, turkey

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/best-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-breast-easy-holiday-recipe/