This Herb Butter Turkey Breast is perfect for smaller gatherings, offering all the festive flavor without the fuss of a whole turkey. It’s incredibly juicy, tender, and comes together with simple ingredients, making it ideal for beginners.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Boneless, Skin-on Turkey Breast: This cut cooks faster and is easier to carve. If you can only find skinless, that’s fine, but the skin adds flavor and helps keep it moist.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for that rich, herby flavor. Use salted if that’s all you have, just reduce any added salt slightly.
- Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Sage): These classic flavors make the dish. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, use about 1/3 the amount of fresh.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth. Garlic powder can substitute (1/2 tsp powder per clove).
Ingredients:
- 1 (2.5-3 lb) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes (depending on size)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
- Servings: 4-6
- Tools Needed: Roasting pan, meat thermometer, small mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Roasting Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small roasting pan or a baking dish large enough to hold the turkey breast. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Make the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together really well until it forms a fragrant, uniform paste.
3. Prepare the Turkey Breast
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Gently loosen the skin from the meat, being careful not to detach it completely.
4. Apply the Herb Butter
Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter evenly under the loosened skin, directly onto the meat. Then, spread the remaining butter over the top of the skin. Make sure the turkey breast is well coated.
5. Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey breast in your prepared roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F (74°C). If the skin starts to brown too much, you can loosely tent it with foil.
6. Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the turkey breast from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Loosely tent it with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist herb butter turkey breast. Slice and serve!
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover herb butter turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice the turkey and warm gently in a microwave or covered in a low oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
-
Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?
Yes, a bone-in turkey breast will work, but it may take a bit longer to cook. Always cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. -
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh (e.g., 2 teaspoons dried rosemary instead of 2 tablespoons fresh). -
My turkey breast is browning too fast, what should I do?
Loosely tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil. This will protect the skin from over-browning while allowing the inside to continue cooking. -
How do I know when the turkey is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding the bone, until it reads 165°F (74°C). -
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the herb butter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. For best results, roast the turkey breast fresh on the day you plan to serve it. -
What sides go well with this turkey breast?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a simple side salad are all delicious choices that pair wonderfully with this herb butter turkey breast.