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Cozy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast for Two

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A perfectly portioned roasted turkey breast slathered in herb butter, delivering juicy meat and crispy skin. Ideal for a quiet dinner for two or a small holiday 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, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast, about 2 to 2.5 pounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle of the oven. While it’s heating, take your turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  2. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mash everything together with a fork until well combined and fragrant.
  3. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels thoroughly.
  4. Season the turkey: Rub the entire breast with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper, including the underside.
  5. Apply the herb butter under the skin: Gently loosen the skin from the meat using your fingers, starting at the top. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin, then spread the remaining butter over the top of the skin.
  6. Prepare the pan: Place the quartered onion and rosemary sprigs in the bottom of your roasting pan. Pour in the chicken broth. Place the turkey breast on top, skin side up.
  7. Roast the turkey: Put the pan in the oven and roast for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Start checking at the 45-minute mark.
  8. Baste halfway through: About 25 minutes in, spoon some of the pan juices over the turkey.
  9. Rest the turkey: Once it hits 155°F, remove the pan from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise to about 160-165°F.
  10. Carve and serve: After resting, transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Slice against the grain into thick pieces. Spoon some of the pan juices over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fresh herbs and let the butter come to room temperature. If the skin browns too quickly, tent with foil. Always use a thermometer to check doneness. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted turkey breast, herb butter, turkey for two, small batch, cozy dinner, Thanksgiving for two

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