Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

There is something incredibly comforting and impressive about a perfectly cooked Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe. This dish captures all the juicy, flavorful goodness of turkey elevated by a fragrant herb butter that seeps into every tender bite. Whether for a special family meal or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with expert technique to create a succulent and aromatic centerpiece that’s as delightful to serve as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and juicy texture. These essential pantry staples and fresh herbs come together to create a beautifully balanced dish that’s both elegant and approachable.

• Bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 2 – 2 1/2 lbs): The star of the show, this cut ensures juicy meat beneath a crispy, golden skin.
• 8 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a warm, aromatic punch that infuses the butter and turkey.
• 1 stick unsalted butter: Creates a rich, silky base that carries the herbs and garlic flavors.
• 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped): Offers a fragrant, pine-like note that pairs beautifully with poultry.
• 1/2 tsp dry thyme (finely ground): Adds an earthy, slightly minty depth to balance the rosemary.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (finely ground): Provides subtle heat and complexity.
• 2 tsp kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors throughout the turkey.

How to Make Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Herb Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 325F so it’s ready when your turkey is infused and prepped. Next, mix butter, salt, garlic, rosemary, black pepper, and thyme in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm it just enough for the butter to melt and blend with the herbs and garlic, infusing the mixture with those brilliant flavors you want woven deeply into the meat.

Step 2: Strain and Infuse

After letting your herb butter rest for a few minutes, microwave it a little longer to ensure it’s fully liquid. Strain out the garlic and herbs, keeping those solids aside for later. This step is key because it gives you a silky, smooth butter to inject directly into the turkey for unbeatable moistness.

Step 3: Inject the Turkey

Place your turkey breast skin-side up in a baking dish. To keep things tidy, cover it lightly with plastic wrap before injecting the infused butter into the meat using a kitchen injector. The little diamond pattern ensures every corner of the breast gets the rich, garlicky flavor inside, guaranteeing juicy results once roasted.

Step 4: Apply the Herb Garlic Mixture

Rub the garlic and herb solids collected earlier all over the breast, along with the butter pooled on the bottom of the dish. This will form a flavorful crust and keep the skin beautifully seasoned and crisp as it cooks.

Step 5: Salt and Prep for Roasting

Sprinkle a teaspoon of kosher salt evenly over the turkey breast and gently pat it down. Proper salting at this stage enhances the flavor and helps with moisture retention, resulting in a perfectly seasoned roast.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

If you have a BBQ thermometer, now’s the time to insert it into the thickest part of the turkey breast—it’s your best tool for perfect doneness. Roast the turkey at 325F for about an hour or until the internal temperature reaches 155F, brushing the breast with pan juices halfway through to keep it shiny and flavorful.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let your Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe rest for 5 minutes. This step can’t be skipped as it lets all those juices redistribute throughout the meat, making every slice moist and tender.

How to Serve Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten up your plate with a scattering of fresh rosemary sprigs or a few lemon wedges. The fresh herbs add a lovely visual contrast and can enhance the herbaceous notes already present in the turkey, while lemon wedges offer a fresh citrus aroma that guests can squeeze over their serving if they wish.

Side Dishes

This roasted turkey pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The buttery herb flavors in the turkey bridge wonderfully to comforting sides, making for a harmonious and satisfying meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, slice the turkey breast thinly and fan it out on a warm serving platter, drizzling some of the pan juices over the top. Surround the slices with colorful vegetables or a vibrant cranberry relish to add both color and brightness, turning your simple roast into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover turkey tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy those delicious slices without drying out or losing that herb butter magic.

Freezing

If you want to save leftovers longer, slice the cooled turkey and freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. This Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe remains tasty and tender even after freezing, perfect for quick meals days or weeks later.

Reheating

Reheat turkey slices gently in a covered pan over low heat with a bit of broth or reserved pan juices to prevent drying. Alternatively, warming in the oven wrapped in foil helps preserve juiciness. Avoid microwaving too long to keep that buttery texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use boneless turkey breast for this recipe?

Absolutely! Though bone-in gives extra flavor and juiciness, boneless turkey breast can be used just fine. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as boneless will cook a bit faster.

Is the kitchen injector necessary?

While not mandatory, injecting the butter mixture into the turkey really elevates the moistness and flavor throughout the meat, making it well worth investing in one.

Can I prepare the herb butter mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the herb butter a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just gently reheat before injecting and coating the turkey.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

Dried rosemary works in a pinch; just reduce the amount slightly since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. Fresh is preferred for best aroma and taste.

How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

The best way is by using a meat thermometer. When the thickest part of the breast reaches 155F, remove it and let it rest—the temperature will rise slightly, ensuring safety and juiciness.

Final Thoughts

There is really nothing quite like the warmth and satisfaction a Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Butter Recipe brings to the table. It’s a dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to feel that comforting homemade touch. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience how simple ingredients and a little technique combine to create pure roast turkey bliss.

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