Description
A juicy, flavorful turkey breast with crispy herb-butter skin, perfect for an intimate dinner for two. This easy recipe delivers holiday-worthy results without the fuss of a whole bird.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (2.5 to 3 lbs)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, leaves stripped from stems
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred; reduce to 1 teaspoon if using table salt)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove turkey breast from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, lemon zest (if using), 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast by working your fingers under the skin, creating a pocket without tearing it.
- Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Spread remaining butter over the outside of the skin. Season outside with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Place turkey breast skin-side up in a roasting pan or 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Drizzle olive oil over the skin and rub gently.
- Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes to start browning.
- Without opening the oven, reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting for 30-40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) at the thickest part away from the bone. Baste with pan juices halfway through. Tent with foil if skin browns too quickly.
- Remove turkey from oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest for at least 15 minutes (internal temperature will rise to 165°F/74°C).
- While turkey rests, make pan sauce: place roasting pan on stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or white wine, scrape up browned bits, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. Strain if desired.
- Carve turkey against the grain into even slices. Spoon pan sauce over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
Pat the skin very dry for maximum crispiness. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Let the turkey rest before carving to retain juices. The herb butter can be made up to 3 days ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (half of r
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 45
Keywords: turkey breast, herb butter, roasted turkey, dinner for two, easy turkey recipe, crispy skin, Thanksgiving for two