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Perfect Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast: Easy Small Gathering Meal

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This Perfect Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is designed for small gatherings, delivering impossibly juicy meat with crackly, golden skin. It’s a quick and easy solution for a special meal without the need for a full bird.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 (3 to 4 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, sage, thyme, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until evenly distributed. Set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove turkey breast from fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast using your fingers, creating a pocket for the herb butter. Be careful not to tear the skin.
  4. Push about two-thirds of the herb butter under the loosened skin, spreading evenly. Spread remaining butter over the outside of the skin.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over the skin and rub in. Sprinkle remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper all over the turkey. Optionally, tie with kitchen twine.
  6. Place onion quarters and carrot chunks (if using) in the bottom of a roasting pan. Pour in chicken broth. Place a wire rack on top or set turkey directly on vegetables. Place turkey breast on rack or vegetables, breast side up.
  7. Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Start checking at 50 minutes. Tent with foil if skin gets too dark.
  8. Remove turkey from oven, transfer to a cutting board, and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15-20 minutes. Internal temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C).
  9. After resting, slice turkey breast against the grain. Serve with pan juices or make a quick gravy using drippings and vegetables.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting period; it’s crucial for juicy turkey. Use a thermometer, not the pop-up timer. Let turkey come to room temperature before roasting. Be gentle when loosening the skin to avoid tearing. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with high-quality vegan butter or olive oil. For a low-sodium version, reduce salt to 1 teaspoon total. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter roasted turkey breast, small gathering turkey, easy turkey recipe, Thanksgiving for two, roasted turkey breast

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/perfect-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-breast-easy-small-gathering-meal/