Description
This Herb & Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast recipe is a perfect solution for those looking to enjoy the rich flavors of turkey without roasting a whole bird. Featuring a luscious butter and fresh herbs rub, this half turkey breast cooks to juicy perfection with a crispy skin, making it ideal for holiday meals or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey Breast
- 1 3-4 lb half turkey breast
Herb & Garlic Butter
- 4 tbsp room temperature butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
Additional
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in cleanup.
- Prepare Herb Butter: Chop the fresh thyme, rosemary, and garlic finely. In a bowl, combine these with the softened butter. Use your fingers to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Generously spread the herb butter both under the skin and over the top of the turkey breast to ensure deep flavor infusion and moist meat.
- Set Turkey in Pan: Place the butter-crusted turkey breast skin side up in the roasting pan. For enhanced flavor, optionally lay the breast on a bed of sliced onions, carrots, or celery instead of parchment paper. This will enrich the pan drippings.
- Roast at 350°F: Roast the turkey breast for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound (about 1 hour total), occasionally checking the internal temperature with a food thermometer.
- Crisp the Skin: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove any cover and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) to crisp the skin beautifully.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven once it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C). Let it rest so the temperature rises to 165°F (74°C), ensuring juicy, safe-to-eat turkey. Slice and serve immediately or cool and refrigerate for sandwiches.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for smaller groups or those wanting a hassle-free holiday turkey option without roasting a whole bird.
- Laying the turkey breast on vegetables adds flavor to pan drippings, perfect for making gravy.
- Using a food thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, safe turkey every time.
- Resting the turkey allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Adjust roasting time based on the exact weight of your turkey breast for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 oz cooked turkey)
- Calories: 584 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 54 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
