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herb butter roasted turkey breast for two - featured image

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


  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast by working your fingers under the skin, creating a pocket without tearing it.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes to start browning.
  7. 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.
  8. 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).
  9. 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.
  10. 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