Easy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and position the rack at the bottom of the oven to ensure even roasting.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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