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Cozy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast for Two

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A simple, no-fuss herb butter roasted turkey breast for two that proves you don’t need a whole bird or a family saga to have a truly memorable meal. Perfectly sized, incredibly juicy, and ready in under 90 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (kosher preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 (2-3 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, for seasoning the outside
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, for seasoning the outside
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
  • Extra pat of herb butter to melt on top (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes to take the chill off. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix with a fork until well combined.
  3. Gently use your fingers to loosen the skin of the turkey breast from the meat, creating a pocket between the skin and the meat without tearing the skin.
  4. Take about two-thirds of the herb butter and spread it directly onto the meat under the loosened skin. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper all over the outside of the turkey breast. Drizzle with olive oil and rub gently to help the seasoning stick.
  6. Place the turkey breast, skin side up, in a roasting pan or 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
  7. Roast for about 50-70 minutes, depending on the size of your breast. Start checking the internal temperature at the 50-minute mark. You’re looking for 155°F (68°C) in the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.
  8. About halfway through the cooking time, baste the turkey with the pan juices using a spoon or pastry brush.
  9. Once the turkey hits 155°F (68°C), remove it from the oven. Transfer to a cutting board and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise to a safe 165°F (74°C).
  10. After resting, carve the turkey breast against the grain into thick slices. Spoon any remaining pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time; it allows juices to redistribute. Use a thermometer for accuracy. Let butter come to room temperature for easy spreading. If turkey breast is uneven, fold thin end under and secure with twine for even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter roasted turkey breast, turkey breast for two, small Thanksgiving, easy turkey recipe, roasted turkey breast, herb butter turkey

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