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Perfect Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast for Two (Easy & Juicy)

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A perfectly portioned, foolproof roasted turkey breast for two, made incredibly moist and flavorful with a simple herb butter. This easy recipe delivers all the satisfaction of a holiday roast without the fuss, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special date night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2.5 to 3-pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast half
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 1 carrot, chopped into large chunks (optional)
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped into large chunks (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the turkey breast out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mash it all together with a fork until well combined.
  3. Gently slide your fingers between the turkey skin and the meat, starting from the large end of the breast, to create a pocket. Be careful not to tear the skin.
  4. Take about two-thirds of the herb butter and push it under the skin, spreading it evenly over the meat. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  5. Place the quartered onion, carrot, and celery (if using) in the bottom of your roasting pan. Pour in the chicken broth. Place the turkey breast on top of the vegetables.
  6. Roast for about 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 155°F (68°C). Start checking the temperature at the 45-minute mark. If the skin is browning too quickly, tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
  7. Once the turkey reaches 155°F, remove it from the oven. Transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest, uncovered, for at least 15 minutes.
  8. While the turkey rests, place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Remove the vegetables with a slotted spoon. Whisk in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken the juices. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Strain it into a gravy boat.
  9. After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain. Serve immediately with the pan sauce and your favorite sides.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the turkey skin for crispy results. Use a thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes to keep it juicy. The herb butter can be made up to 3 days ahead. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or olive oil.

Nutrition

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

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