Easy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Roasted Turkey Breast recipe is perfect for a flavorful and tender centerpiece without the hassle of cooking a whole bird. Infused with fragrant herbs and butter, it’s a simple yet impressive dish ideal for any special meal or holiday gathering.

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 the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and position the oven rack on the bottom level.
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, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside 2 to 3 tablespoons of this mixture for later use.
4. Step 4: Gently lift the skin of the turkey breast using the back of a spoon and spread the herb butter underneath. Then smooth the skin back over the breast, spreading the remaining butter all over the surface. Take care not to tear the skin to keep the butter inside during cooking.
5. Step 5: Roast the turkey breast for about 90 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Step 6: Remove the turkey from the oven, spread the reserved butter over the top, and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Using fresh herbs is key for vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted in a pinch—use about one-third the amount.
• Inject some chicken broth under the skin for extra moisture if you like.
• Serve with pan drippings or a simple gravy for added richness.

Storage

Store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil, until heated through to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, a bone-in turkey breast works well and can add extra flavor. Just keep an eye on cooking time, which may be slightly longer.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can substitute dried herbs, but reduce the amount to about one-third to prevent overpowering the meat. Alternatively, use herb blends you enjoy.

Easy Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 462 reviews

This Easy Roasted Turkey Breast recipe delivers a succulent and flavorful main dish perfect for any special occasion or holiday meal. Using a mixture of fresh herbs and butter, the turkey breast stays moist and aromatic throughout roasting, resulting in a tender and juicy centerpiece that’s simple to prepare yet impressively delicious.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius), ensuring the oven rack is positioned at the bottom to allow for optimal heat circulation around the turkey breast.
2. Prepare the turkey breast: Place the turkey breast in a large roasting pan. Pat it dry thoroughly inside and out with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
3. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter, fresh rosemary, sage, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside about 2 to 3 tablespoons of this mixture for topping the turkey later.
4. Butter under the skin: Carefully use the back of a spoon to gently lift the skin away from the turkey breast flesh without tearing it. Spread the herb butter mixture underneath the skin evenly, ensuring full coverage. Smooth the skin back down over the breast to help lock in moisture during cooking.
5. Roast the turkey: Place the roasting pan with the turkey breast in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
6. Rest and serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and spread the reserved herb butter over the top while it’s still hot. Allow the turkey breast to rest uncovered for 20 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute and the meat remains moist.

Notes

• Do not tear the skin when lifting it to apply the herb butter, as the butter helps baste the meat during roasting.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked turkey.
• Resting the turkey after roasting is essential for juicy meat.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs, but use about a third of the quantity.
• This recipe works well for turkey breasts between 4 to 6 pounds; adjust cooking time accordingly for larger or smaller breasts.

Keywords: roasted turkey breast, herb butter turkey, holiday main dish, easy turkey recipe, roasted poultry