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herb-butter roasted turkey breast - featured image

Perfect Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey Breast with Apple Cider Gravy

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A simple yet impressive roasted turkey breast with herb butter and a sweet-savory apple cider gravy. Perfect for smaller gatherings or a cozy Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–6 pounds / 2.2–2.7 kg)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup (240ml) apple cider
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter (for gravy)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • Reserved pan drippings from the turkey
  • 1 cup (240ml) apple cider (for gravy)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth (for gravy)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix until evenly distributed.
  3. Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast, creating a pocket. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Spread the remaining butter over the outside of the skin.
  4. Place the turkey breast on a rack in a roasting pan, skin side up. Pour 1 cup apple cider and 1/2 cup chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
  5. Roast for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) at the thickest part. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  6. Remove turkey from oven, transfer to a cutting board, and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15-20 minutes (internal temperature will rise to 160-165°F).
  7. While turkey rests, pour pan drippings through a fine-mesh strainer into a measuring cup. Skim off excess fat, leaving some for flavor.
  8. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  9. Slowly whisk in reserved pan drippings, 1 cup apple cider, and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh thyme if using.
  10. Slice the rested turkey against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with gravy. Serve remaining gravy on the side.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the skin for crispy results. Use a thermometer for perfect doneness. Let butter come to room temperature for easy spreading. Make extra gravy as it’s addictive. Resting the turkey is essential for juicy meat.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 ounces turkey brea
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 520
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 8
  • Protein: 45

Keywords: roasted turkey breast, herb butter turkey, apple cider gravy, Thanksgiving turkey, easy turkey recipe, bone-in turkey breast

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/perfect-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-breast-with-apple-cider-gravy/