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Cozy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast for Two

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A perfectly sized roasted turkey breast for two, slathered in herb butter and roasted to golden-brown perfection. This recipe delivers all the comfort of a Thanksgiving dinner without the fuss, making any weeknight feel like a celebration.

Ingredients

  • Bone-in turkey breast (2 to 2.5 pounds)
  • Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, softened)
  • Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, finely chopped)
  • Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, leaves removed from stems)
  • Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, finely chopped)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Chicken or turkey broth (½ cup)
  • Optional: Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the center 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. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Make the herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Loosen the skin. Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the meat of the turkey breast, being careful not to tear the skin.
  5. Apply the herb butter. Take about two-thirds of the butter mixture and spread it evenly under the skin, directly onto the meat. Then spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  6. Season the outside. Drizzle the olive oil over the buttered skin and rub it in gently. Sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper on top if desired.
  7. Prepare the pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of your roasting pan. Place the turkey breast in the pan, skin side up. If you have a wire rack, place it in the pan first to elevate the turkey.
  8. Roast for 50 to 65 minutes. Start checking the internal temperature at 50 minutes. Insert your thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. You’re looking for 160°F (71°C).
  9. Baste halfway through. At the 30-minute mark, use a spoon or pastry brush to baste the turkey with the pan juices.
  10. Check for doneness. If the skin is browning too quickly but the meat isn’t done yet, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
  11. Rest the turkey. Once it hits 160°F, remove it from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 15 minutes, loosely covered with foil.
  12. Carve and serve. Slice the breast against the grain into thick pieces. Spoon some of the pan juices over the top.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time; it allows juices to redistribute. Use a thermometer for accuracy. Butter under the skin is key for moisture. Let turkey come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted turkey breast, herb butter, small batch, for two, Thanksgiving, comfort food, easy turkey recipe

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