Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast

Let me tell you, in my kitchen, the aroma of roasting herbs and savory turkey is pure magic. It’s a scent that instantly conjures up feelings of warmth, comfort, and celebratory feasts. For years, I wrestled with the daunting task of roasting a whole turkey, often feeling like I was playing a high-stakes culinary game. Then, I discovered the sheer brilliance of the herb butter roasted turkey breast. It was a revelation! Suddenly, that incredible flavor and juicy tenderness, once reserved for special occasions and all-day cooking marathons, became attainable any time. My family absolutely adores this recipe. Even on busy weeknights, this turkey breast transforms an ordinary dinner into something truly special. The crispy, golden skin infused with aromatic herbs gives way to unbelievably moist and flavorful meat. It’s become a staple in our rotation, and honestly, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re hosting a smaller Thanksgiving gathering, craving a delicious Sunday supper, or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this herb butter roasted turkey breast is your answer. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, delivers incredible flavor, and is guaranteed to impress. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with a whole turkey for smaller crowds!

Ingredients: Simple Goodness for Exceptional Flavor

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; it’s mostly pantry staples that come together to create something truly special.

• Turkey Breast (Bone-in or Boneless, about 3-5 pounds): The star of the show! Choose a bone-in breast for slightly more flavor and moisture, or boneless for easier carving. Aim for a size that comfortably feeds your household or guest count, ensuring you have enough for everyone to enjoy.
• Unsalted Butter (½ cup, softened): The key to juicy turkey and crispy skin. Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth and spreadable herb butter that evenly coats the turkey breast, locking in moisture and flavor.
• Fresh Rosemary (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a piney, aromatic, and slightly woodsy flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey. Fresh rosemary is crucial for that vibrant, herbaceous note.
• Fresh Thyme (2 tablespoons, chopped): Provides an earthy, slightly lemony, and subtly minty flavor that complements the rosemary and enhances the overall herb profile. Fresh thyme brings a delicate complexity to the butter.
• Fresh Sage (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a slightly peppery and earthy flavor with hints of mint and lemon, adding depth and a classic Thanksgiving aroma to the herb butter. Sage is a must-have for that traditional holiday flavor.
• Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings a fresh, clean, and slightly peppery flavor that brightens the herb butter and adds a touch of vibrant green color. Parsley balances the richer herbs and adds freshness.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a pungent and savory depth that enhances all the other flavors and creates a delicious aromatic base for the herb butter. Minced garlic infuses the butter with its characteristic savory punch.
• Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Provides a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and adds a refreshing zing to the turkey. Lemon zest elevates the overall flavor profile and prevents it from being too heavy.
• Salt (1 ½ teaspoons): Essential for seasoning the turkey and herb butter, enhancing all the flavors and ensuring a well-balanced dish. Salt is crucial for bringing out the best in all the ingredients.
• Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spicy kick and enhances the savory notes of the herbs and turkey. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used to lightly coat the turkey breast before applying the herb butter, helping the butter adhere and promoting even browning. Olive oil also adds a touch of healthy fat and flavor.

Instructions: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Turkey Breast Perfection

Follow these simple instructions, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly roasted, incredibly flavorful turkey breast that will impress everyone at your table.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Turkey Breast: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting turkey breast, ensuring it cooks through evenly while developing a beautiful golden-brown skin. While the oven is preheating, take your turkey breast out of the refrigerator and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture from the skin, which is key to achieving crispy, golden-brown skin during roasting. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. If you have a roasting rack, placing the turkey on a rack within the pan will allow for better air circulation and even cooking, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
2. Prepare the Aromatic Herb Butter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, chopped fresh rosemary, chopped fresh thyme, chopped fresh sage, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or a spatula to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and the butter is smooth and well-combined. The softened butter makes it easy to incorporate all the herbs and seasonings, creating a fragrant and flavorful herb butter.
3. Season the Turkey Breast: Lightly drizzle the turkey breast with olive oil. This helps the herb butter adhere to the turkey and promotes even browning. Using your hands, generously spread the herb butter all over the turkey breast, ensuring you coat every surface, including under the skin if possible (gently loosen the skin with your fingers and push some herb butter underneath for extra flavor). Massage the herb butter into the turkey, ensuring even coverage. This herb butter coating is what infuses the turkey with incredible flavor and helps keep it moist during roasting.
4. Roast the Turkey Breast: Place the roasting pan with the herb-buttered turkey breast in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey breast registers 165°F (74°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of turkey breast (bone-in will take slightly longer than boneless). It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature and is perfectly juicy.
5. Rest the Turkey Breast: Once the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let the turkey breast rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. Resting is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey. During resting, the internal temperature of the turkey will continue to rise slightly.
6. Carve and Serve: After resting, transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board. If you used a bone-in breast, carve the meat off the bone. For both bone-in and boneless breasts, slice the turkey against the grain for maximum tenderness. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly roasted herb butter turkey breast! Don’t forget to scrape up any pan drippings for extra flavor to spoon over the turkey or use as a base for gravy.

Nutrition Facts: A Wholesome and Delicious Choice

This herb butter roasted turkey breast is not only incredibly flavorful but also a relatively healthy and lean protein option. Here’s a glimpse into its nutritional profile per serving (estimated, and may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used):

• Serving Size: Approximately 4 ounces (113 grams) of cooked turkey breast: This is a standard serving size for lean protein and provides a satisfying portion for most individuals.
• Calories: Approximately 350-450 calories per serving: This is a moderate calorie count, making it a suitable choice for those watching their calorie intake while still enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal. The calorie range will depend on the fat content of the turkey breast and the amount of herb butter used.
• Protein: Approximately 40-50 grams per serving: Turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building, repair, and satiety. A high protein content helps keep you feeling full and satisfied after your meal.
• Fat: Approximately 15-25 grams per serving: This includes both saturated and unsaturated fats from the butter and turkey. While some fat is necessary for flavor and satiety, it’s important to be mindful of overall fat intake. The herb butter contributes to the fat content, but also adds flavor and moisture.
• Sodium: Approximately 300-500 mg per serving: Sodium content will vary depending on the amount of salt used and any added seasonings. It’s generally within a moderate range, but can be adjusted by controlling the amount of salt added during preparation.

Please note: These are estimated nutrition facts and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy from Prep to Plate

One of the best things about this recipe is its efficiency. It’s perfect for when you want a delicious and impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes: This includes the time it takes to chop the herbs, mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and mix the herb butter. The preparation is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.
• Cook Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes: The roasting time will depend on the size and type of turkey breast. Using a meat thermometer ensures accurate cooking and prevents over or undercooking.
• Resting Time: 15-20 minutes: Resting is essential for juicy turkey but doesn’t require active cooking time. It’s a hands-off step while you can prepare side dishes or set the table.
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes: From start to finish, you can have a delicious herb butter roasted turkey breast on the table in under 2.5 hours, making it a manageable meal even on busy days.

How to Serve: Versatile and Delightful for Any Occasion

This herb butter roasted turkey breast is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your meal planning:

• Classic Holiday Feast:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are a must-have side for turkey.
  • Stuffing or Dressing: Choose your favorite stuffing recipe, whether it’s classic bread stuffing, cornbread stuffing, or wild rice stuffing.
  • Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce perfectly complements the richness of the turkey and herb butter.
  • Green Bean Casserole or Roasted Green Beans: A classic side dish or a simple roasted vegetable to add some greens to your plate.
  • Gravy: Make a simple gravy using pan drippings or a classic turkey gravy recipe to drizzle over the turkey and mashed potatoes.
  • Dinner Rolls: Warm, soft dinner rolls for soaking up all the delicious gravy and juices.
• Weeknight Family Dinner:
  • Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted with herbs and olive oil.
  • Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus: A quick and healthy green vegetable side dish.
  • Quinoa or Rice Pilaf: A simple grain side to round out the meal.
  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the turkey.
  • Cornbread or Biscuits: A comforting and easy bread option for weeknight dinners.
• Elevated Brunch or Lunch:
  • Turkey and Cranberry Sandwiches: Use leftover turkey breast to make delicious sandwiches with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and your favorite toppings.
  • Turkey Salad: Shred leftover turkey and make a flavorful turkey salad with mayonnaise, celery, onion, and herbs, served on lettuce wraps or croissants.
  • Turkey and Vegetable Frittata or Quiche: Incorporate diced turkey into a breakfast or brunch frittata or quiche for a protein-packed and flavorful dish.
  • Turkey and Avocado Toast: Top toasted bread with mashed avocado, sliced turkey breast, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a healthy and satisfying lunch.
  • Hearty Turkey Soup or Stew: Use leftover turkey carcass to make a flavorful and comforting turkey soup or stew.

Additional Tips for Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast Success

To ensure your herb butter roasted turkey breast is a resounding success, consider these helpful tips:

1. Start with Quality Turkey Breast: Choose a fresh, high-quality turkey breast from a reputable butcher or grocery store. If using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed before cooking for even roasting. The quality of your turkey breast will significantly impact the final flavor and texture.
2. Don’t Skip Patting Dry: Thoroughly patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin, so removing excess surface moisture is key.
3. Soften Butter Properly: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, but not melted. Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth and spreadable herb butter that will coat the turkey evenly.
4. Generously Season with Salt and Pepper: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Proper seasoning is essential for bringing out the flavors of the turkey and herbs. Season both the herb butter and the turkey breast itself.
5. Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is your best friend when roasting turkey breast. It’s the only way to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and prevent overcooking, which can lead to dry meat.
6. Let it Rest, Really Rest!: Resist the temptation to carve the turkey breast immediately after removing it from the oven. Resting for at least 15-20 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a much more tender and flavorful turkey.
7. Save the Pan Drippings: Don’t discard the flavorful pan drippings! They are liquid gold and can be used to make a delicious gravy or simply spooned over the turkey for extra flavor and moisture.
8. Customize Your Herb Blend: Feel free to experiment with different herb combinations to create your own signature herb butter. Try adding other herbs like oregano, marjoram, or chives, or adjust the quantities of the herbs to your liking.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about making herb butter roasted turkey breast to help you confidently tackle this recipe:

Q1: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
A: While fresh herbs are highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe. Remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so use them sparingly.

Q2: Can I use boneless turkey breast instead of bone-in?
A: Yes, you can use either bone-in or boneless turkey breast for this recipe. Bone-in turkey breast tends to be slightly more flavorful and moist, but boneless is easier to carve. Boneless turkey breast may cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on the internal temperature.

Q3: How do I know when the turkey breast is done?
A: The most accurate way to determine doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, avoiding the bone. The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q4: Can I make the herb butter ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the herb butter up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saving tip, especially if you’re preparing for a holiday meal. Let the herb butter soften slightly at room temperature before spreading it on the turkey breast.

Q5: What if my turkey breast starts to brown too quickly?
A: If your turkey breast starts to brown too much before it’s fully cooked, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while allowing it to continue cooking through.

Q6: Can I roast the turkey breast at a higher or lower temperature?
A: Roasting at 375°F (190°C) is generally recommended for even cooking and browning. While you could roast at a lower temperature (e.g., 325°F/160°C), it will take longer to cook. Roasting at a higher temperature (e.g., 400°F/200°C) might result in crispier skin but could also lead to drier meat if not monitored closely.

Q7: How long will leftover herb butter roasted turkey breast last?
A: Leftover cooked turkey breast, properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, will last for 3-4 days. Ensure it cools down to room temperature before refrigerating it.

Q8: Can I freeze leftover herb butter roasted turkey breast?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover cooked turkey breast. Slice or shred the turkey, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen turkey breast can last for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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