Description
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast is a flavorful and juicy main dish perfect for holidays or special occasions. The rich herb butter, made with fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, and lemon zest, seeps into the turkey breast creating a savory crust while keeping the meat moist and tender. Simple to prepare yet impressive in taste and presentation, this recipe yields a moist, aromatic turkey breast that will delight your guests and elevate any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey Breast
- 3–4 pounds fresh, skin-on turkey breast
Herb Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Roasting
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a fragrant and evenly blended herb butter.
- Prep the Turkey Breast: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin from the meat without tearing it to create a pocket for the herb butter.
- Apply the Herb Butter: Spread the herb butter generously under the loosened skin and over the top of the turkey breast. Massage it well so every part of the meat is infused with the herb butter.
- Roast the Turkey Breast: Place the turkey breast skin-side up on a roasting rack inside a baking pan. Drizzle olive oil over the skin. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 60-75 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the turkey breast rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful slices.
Notes
- Let the turkey breast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to roasting to promote even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid drying.
- Loosen the skin gently to prevent tearing and loss of herb butter.
- Double the herb butter and save some to melt over sliced turkey before serving for extra flavor.
- Resting the turkey after roasting is critical to maintain juiciness; avoid slicing immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 oz cooked turkey breast)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg