Print

Juicy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast for Two

herb butter roasted turkey breast for two - featured image
Print Recipe

This cozy herb butter roasted turkey breast for two is the recipe that turned a turkey-hater into a turkey-believer. Perfectly portioned, incredibly juicy, and made with simple ingredients, it’s ideal for a special weeknight dinner or a small holiday meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (optional, or 1/4 teaspoon dried sage)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (2 to 2 1/2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or turkey broth
  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the turkey out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mash together with a fork until evenly distributed.
  4. Gently slide your fingers under the turkey skin to create a pocket, being careful not to tear the skin.
  5. Spread half the herb butter under the skin, pushing it around evenly. Spread the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the skin.
  6. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey and rub it in gently. Season the outside with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
  7. Place the turkey breast on a wire rack set inside a roasting pan (or directly in the pan). Add quartered onion and herb sprigs around the turkey. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan, not over the turkey.
  8. Roast for 50 to 65 minutes, until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F. If the skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil after about 35 minutes.
  9. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes, tented loosely with foil.
  10. Carve against the grain into thick slices. Spoon pan juices over the top and serve.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time—it allows juices to redistribute. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results; turkey is done at 165°F. Getting the butter under the skin is key for moist meat. If using dried herbs, use about one-third the amount of fresh. For a dairy-free option, use a good-quality vegan butter.

Nutrition

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

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