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Perfect Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast for Two

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A perfectly portioned herb butter roasted turkey breast that’s juicy, tender, and golden-crisp. Ideal for a cozy dinner for two with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (2–3 pounds)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
  • Optional: 1 small onion, quartered, and 2 carrots, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven. While it’s heating, take your turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Make the herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until well mixed and fragrant.
  3. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  4. Loosen the skin. Gently slide your fingers under the skin of the turkey breast, starting from the edge and working your way across to create pockets between the skin and the meat without tearing the skin.
  5. Apply the herb butter. Take about two-thirds of the herb butter and push it under the loosened skin, spreading it evenly across the breast meat. Use the remaining butter to spread all over the outside of the turkey breast.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with a final sprinkle of salt and pepper.
  7. If using, scatter the quartered onion and chopped carrots in the bottom of your roasting pan. Pour in the chicken broth or wine.
  8. Place the turkey in the pan, breast side up. If you have kitchen twine, tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the breast.
  9. Roast for 50-65 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when measured at the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.
  10. Remove the turkey from the oven. The temperature will continue rising to about 165°F during resting.
  11. Rest, covered loosely with foil, for 15-20 minutes.
  12. Carve and serve. Slice against the grain into even pieces. Spoon some of the pan juices over the slices for extra moisture and flavor.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the skin for crispy results. Let butter soften naturally. Use a good thermometer for perfect doneness. Baste if desired but not necessary. Watch skin color and tent with foil if browning too quickly. Use pan drippings for an instant sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, herb butter, roasted turkey, small batch, dinner for two, Thanksgiving, comfort food

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/perfect-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-breast-for-two/