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Perfect Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast for Two (Easy Recipe)

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This Perfect Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Breast for Two is a stress-free, juicy, and flavorful alternative to a whole turkey. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for a romantic dinner or small gathering, and delivers incredible taste without the hassle of a large bird.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2-3 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth (optional)
  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 1 carrot, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Turkey (15 minutes before roasting): Take your turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Season the entire breast generously with salt and pepper, including the underside.
  2. Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, and lemon zest. Mix with a fork until well combined.
  3. Loosen the Skin: Gently work your fingers between the skin and the meat, starting at the top of the breast and sliding down to create a pocket without tearing the skin.
  4. Apply the Herb Butter: Take about two-thirds of the herb butter and smear it directly onto the meat under the loosened skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  5. Prepare the Pan: Place the quartered onion and chopped carrot in the bottom of a small roasting pan or 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the chicken broth. Place a roasting rack (or a few carrot chunks) on top to lift the turkey out of the liquid. Place the turkey breast on the rack, breast-side up.
  6. Roast the Turkey: Place the pan in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Roast for about 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 155°F (68°C). If the skin is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes.
  7. Rest and Carve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 15-20 minutes. Carve the breast off the bone and slice it against the grain.

Notes

Don’t skip resting the turkey for 15-20 minutes; it allows juices to redistribute. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy—target 155°F before resting. Pat the turkey dry for crispy skin. For a quick pan sauce, whisk pan drippings with flour and chicken broth while the turkey rests. If using dried herbs, substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning for the fresh herbs.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/perfect-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-breast-for-two-easy-recipe/