Easy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This easy roasted turkey breast recipe is perfect for a simple yet flavorful meal. Infused with fresh herbs and butter, it promises juicy meat with a crispy skin that will impress your family and guests.

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 your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and position the rack at the bottom.
2. Step 2: Place the turkey breast in a large roasting pan and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels both inside and out.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture for later use.
4. Step 4: Use the back of a spoon to gently lift the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it. Spread the herb butter mixture under the skin evenly, then smooth the skin back down over the breast.
5. Step 5: Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes, or until the innermost part of the breast reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer.
6. Step 6: Remove the turkey from the oven, spread the reserved butter mixture on top, and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist.
• If fresh herbs are unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, sage, and thyme, but reduce the amounts slightly as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Try adding a clove of minced garlic to the butter mixture for an extra savory note.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in turkey breast can be used. Adjust the roasting time as needed, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The bone can help keep the meat moist.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can substitute dried herbs at about one-third the amount of fresh herbs called for. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Easy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 112 reviews

This Easy Roasted Turkey Breast recipe features a succulent turkey breast seasoned with a flavorful mixture of fresh herbs and butter, then slow-roasted to juicy perfection. Perfect for holidays or special family dinners, this straightforward method ensures tender meat with a crispy herb-infused skin.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6 to 8 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and position the rack at the bottom of the oven to ensure even roasting.
2. Prepare Turkey: Place the turkey breast in a large roasting pan. Pat the turkey dry thoroughly inside and out using paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up well during roasting.
3. Make Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter with fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside 2-3 tablespoons of this butter mixture for basting later.
4. Apply Butter Under Skin: Carefully lift the skin off the turkey breast using the back of a spoon—be gentle to avoid tearing. Spread the majority of the herb butter underneath the skin, smoothing it evenly over the meat. Then lay the skin back down over the breast, covering the butter layer to keep the flavors locked in.
5. Roast the Turkey: Place the roasting pan on the bottom rack of the oven and roast the turkey breast for approximately 90 minutes. The turkey is done when the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Baste and Rest: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and top it with the reserved butter to add extra moisture and flavor. Allow the turkey breast to rest for 20 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Notes

• Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Resting the turkey after roasting is critical to keep it juicy and tender.
• The herb butter can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
• If you prefer, you can add garlic or lemon zest to the herb butter for additional flavor.
• Leftover turkey breast works wonderfully in sandwiches, salads, or soups.

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