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Easy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast for Two

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A simple and juicy roasted turkey breast for two, made with herb butter under the skin for maximum flavor and moisture. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or small celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, about 2 to 3 pounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or turkey stock
  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary and 3 sprigs fresh thyme (for the pan)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for optional pan sauce)
  • 1/2 cup additional chicken broth (for optional pan sauce)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for optional pan sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Position rack in the middle. Let turkey breast sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mash with a fork until well combined.
  3. Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Gently loosen skin from meat using fingers, creating a pocket. Spread about two-thirds of herb butter under the skin directly onto the meat.
  4. Rub remaining herb butter all over the outside of the skin. Drizzle olive oil over the top and rub in. Sprinkle with extra salt and pepper if desired. Optionally tie with kitchen twine.
  5. Place quartered onion and extra herb sprigs in the center of a small roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the pan. Place turkey breast on top of onion and herbs.
  6. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes without opening the oven.
  7. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for 25 to 35 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) at the thickest part. Tent with foil if skin browns too quickly.
  8. Remove turkey from oven and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
  9. While turkey rests, make optional pan sauce: Discard onion and herb sprigs from pan. Place pan on stovetop over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly pour in additional chicken broth while whisking, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  10. Slice turkey against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange on a platter and spoon pan sauce over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs and room temperature butter. Pat the turkey skin very dry for crispy skin. Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. The herb butter can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, herb butter, roasted turkey, easy turkey recipe, turkey for two, weeknight dinner

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