Roasted Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1whole or half bone-in turkey breast*
, or boneless
- ½ cunsalted butter
, softened
- ½ tspsalt
- ¼ tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 3 clovesgarlic
, minced
- 1 ½ tspfresh thyme
, chopped
- 1 ½ tspfresh rosemary
, chopped
- ½ tspfresh sage
, chopped
Directions
- 1
Thaw turkey, if frozen. A general rule of thumb is 24 hours for every 5 pounds of Turkey. Remove the thawed turkey from the fridge 20 minutes before cooking.
- 2
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- 3
Make herb butter by combining butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs in a bowl.
- 4
Prep Turkey: Remove turkey from packaging and use paper towels to pat the turkey dry on all sides. Season the outside with some salt and pepper. Loosen the skin of the turkey breast and smear a spoonful of herb butter under the skin, spreading it over both sides of the breast. Spread remaining herb butter all of the outside of the turkey breast. Place in a baking dish or sheet pan.
- 5
Roast: Position oven racks so the turkey will sit in the center of the oven. Cook at 325 degrees F for about 14-15 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature (inserted into the thickest part of the breast) reaches 165 degrees. (I usually take it out just shy of 165 degrees, as it will continue to cook as it rests).
- 6
Rest: Remove from oven and cover turkey with a piece of aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Roasted Turkey Breast
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting flavors of roasted turkey but don't need to feed a crowd? This Roasted Turkey Breast recipe is your answer, delivering all the juicy, herb-infused goodness you love from a whole bird, scaled perfectly for a smaller gathering. You'll achieve that irresistible golden skin and tender meat without any of the fuss of a large Thanksgiving production.
Why This Roasted Turkey Breast Works
The secret to this succulent turkey breast lies in the rich, aromatic herb butter that infuses every bite. By combining softened unsalted butter with fresh minced garlic, fragrant thyme, earthy rosemary, and subtle sage, you create a flavorful rub that not only seasons the turkey deeply but also helps achieve wonderfully moist results. This recipe adapts a beloved whole turkey technique to ensure a perfectly cooked, easy-to-manage turkey breast every time, making it simpler than ever to enjoy this classic protein.
What truly sets this oven roasted turkey breast apart is its balanced blend of robust herbs that penetrate the meat as it cooks. You can expect a beautifully golden-brown exterior, yielding to incredibly tender, juicy white meat within. It’s a fuss-free main course that feels special enough for a holiday, yet simple enough for a weekend dinner. Each serving offers a satisfying 439 calories, making it a flavorful centerpiece for your meal.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can use either a whole or half bone-in turkey breast for deeper flavor and more even cooking, or opt for a boneless turkey breast if you prefer quicker carving and cooking time. Feel free to adjust the amounts of fresh herbs to suit your taste; a little extra rosemary can add a bolder aroma, for instance. For a subtle hint of citrus, a touch of lemon zest mixed into the herb butter would also be a lovely addition.
Serving & Context
This Roasted Turkey Breast is ideal for intimate holiday meals, cozy Sunday dinners, or any occasion where you desire a delicious, impressive main course without the commitment of cooking an entire turkey. Serve it alongside your favorite roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.